What to do if you’re exposed to tear gas

Tear gas is a riot control agent commonly used to quell civil unrest.

The two most common riot control agents are chloroacetophenone (CN) and chlorobenzylidenemalononitrile (CS), according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

What’s called tear gas actually comes in a powdery solid form, rather than a gaseous state. Commonly known by their initials, CN and CS are deployed as tear gas when the pressurised powder is mixed into a liquid formulation that is then released into the air.

Tear gas is a banned substance listed in the 1993 International Chemical Weapons Convention. The Geneva Convention, however, does not cover its use against rioting civilians.

If it reaches your eyes, tear gas can cause excessive tearing, burning or blurred vision, according to the CDC.

The irritant can cause a runny nose, as well as a burning sensation inside the nose. It can also cause difficulty swallowing as well as chest tightness, coughing, shortness of breath and a feeling of choking.

For those who are exposed to riot control agents at close proximity or in a closed in space, there can be more long-term effects including blindness, glaucoma or respiratory failure, the CDC says.

If you’re participating in a demonstration for the first time, you should be prepared for tear gas.

If it’s deployed, keep a level head, according to the Street Medic Guide, a document published by the Paper Revolution collective, which emerged from the Occupy Wall Street movement in early 2012.

After removing yourself or the affected person from danger, the handbook says that you can apply a liquid antacid and water mixture that includes is a 50/50 mixture of water and either magnesium hydroxide and aluminium hydroxide. The mixture can be applied to the eyes, face and any exposed and irritated area.

It recommends the same treatments to alleviate irritation stemming from exposure to the capsaicin in pepper spray.

The Street Medic Guide notes that milk can immediately relieve the burning sensation if the first option isn’t available. Another option is a mixture of water and sodium bicarbonate (baking soda).

Baking soda is cheaper and easier to transport and store than refrigerated milk, and can be mixed with water wherever you are.

First aid and clean up

After you’ve provided immediate first aid for tear gas, you should remove any article of clothing that may have tear gas on it. It’s better to cut it off rather than pull it off over your head, according to the CDC.

You should then place your exposed clothing in a plastic bag, seal the bag and then place that bag inside another plastic bag in order to prevent others from being exposed to the chemical, the public health agency says.

As soon as you’re able, it’s important to wash your skin with lots of soap and water.

A list of items to prepare yourself if tear gas is deployed to break up a peaceful protest or if an event becomes violent:

- Goggles: To prevent tear gas from getting into your eyes.
- Face shield: Another protection against tear gas for your eyes, nose, mouth, skin and lungs.
- Comfortable footwear: Marches and protests involve a lot of walking, and you’ll want to also be ready if you have to run.
- Bike helmets: To protect your head if objects are being thrown or someone hits you.
- An umbrella: A defence against rubber bullets.
- ID, health insurance and cash: If you need to go to the hospital, talk with police officers or have other incidental expenses.