When demonstrations were difficult to disperse or turned into chaos, the police sometimes fired tear gas at protest participants to control the situation. Tear gas used at demonstration sites can spread to the surrounding environment, especially if carried by the wind. It is not impossible that you can also be exposed to tear gas without realizing it.
Tear gas contains active ingredients, such as chloroacetophenone (CN) and chlorobenzylidenemalononitrile (CS). These chemicals can cause a number of symptoms in people who are exposed to them, such as burning and red eyes, profuse tears, and blurred vision.
Not only that, the effects of tear gas can also be:
- The nose is runny, red, and swollen.
- Shortness of breath, coughing, and wheezing.
- Irritation and burning in the mouth.
- Nausea and vomiting.
- Rash and heat on the skin.
Do These Steps If You Are Exposed To Tear Gas
When exposed to tear gas, try to stay calm and don't panic. Perform the following steps:
1. Minimize inhaled tear gas
If tear gas is nearby, try to minimize inhalation of gas. Cover your nose and mouth tightly, then immediately run to a safe place away from the location of the tear gas shooting. If you happen to be carrying a mask, put it on immediately.
Do not hesitate to ask for first aid from health workers who are on duty in the field if you experience shortness of breath.
2. Wash clothes and body parts exposed to tear gas
Once you've moved away from where the tear gas was fired, check your clothes and body. If your clothing or skin is exposed to tear gas, wash immediately with clean water and soap. This method can protect you and those around you from tear gas contamination that sticks to your clothes and body.
If gas gets into your eyes, rinse immediately by running clean water into your eyes for 10-15 minutes. Avoid rubbing your eyes so it doesn't hurt more. If you wear contact lenses, take them off and don't reuse them. Meanwhile, if you wear glasses, wash them thoroughly with soap and water before using them again.
3. Change clothes
Clothing that has been exposed to tear gas should be removed and changed immediately. Especially for clothes that are removed past the head, it is recommended to cut them. If you are helping another person undress, be careful not to touch the area where the tear gas is exposed.
Separate clothes that have been exposed to tear gas when you wash them. If the gas contamination is severe enough and difficult to remove, put the clothes in a plastic bag, then throw them in a B3 (hazardous and toxic) waste disposal site.
4. Take a shower
Take a shower immediately to rid your body of any traces of tear gas that may still be on your skin. Rinse the entire body, including hair, using water from the shower or shower. Do not bathe by soaking, to avoid further contamination from tear gas mixed with water bathtub.
After you perform the steps above, immediately visit a doctor for further examination and treatment according to the complaints that arise.
