Whenever there are protests in the country, among the things the police will use to quell rowdy groups is teargas.
To many, this is just a gas that makes one shed tears once consumed.
But to medical experts, it is a gas that causes severe irritation to the eyes, mouth, throat, lungs and skin.
One thing, however, that remains a mystery to many is how a canister that small can produce irritating smoke that can last for hours.
What is the content of teargas?
According to Britannica, the substances used as tear gas are synthetic organic halogen compounds and not true gases under ordinary conditions but liquids or solids that can be finely dispersed in the air through the use of sprays, fog generators, or grenades and shells.
The two most commonly used tear gases are Chloroacetophenone (CN) and Chlorobenzylidenemalononitrile (CS).
CN is the principal component of the aerosol agent Mace and is widely used in riot control (teargas), and it mainly affects the eyes.
The effects of teargas are temporary and reversible in most cases and do not have any harmful effects on one’s body.
According to Science Direct, tear gases have also been implicated in lower respiratory injury and even in persistent effects following high-intensity exposures, especially in closed spaces like buildings.
It, however, says exposure can be significant if the affected person is forced into a confined space for extended periods of time.
People who are exposed to teargas may tend to experience some of the following symptoms on a short-term basis after exposure:
1. Eyes: excessive tearing, burning, blurred vision, redness
2. Nose: runny nose, burning, swelling
3. Mouth: burning, irritation, difficulty swallowing, drooling
4. Lungs: chest tightness, coughing, choking sensation, noisy breathing (wheezing), shortness of breath
5. Skin: burns, rash
Other symptoms may include nausea and vomiting.
