What is it?
Over 15 different kinds of tear gas, or lachrymators as they are officially known, have been developed worldwide, but three have been more commonly used in recent times. The most common kind overall is known as CS gas which is made of a chemical compound called 2-chlorobenzalmalononitrile. CS gas is used to disperse crowds and usually wears off in minutes. Water can be used to decontaminate, but the effects are still painful. These gases work by stimulating the nerves in the cornea. This stimulation causes tears, pain, and temporary blindness. They also inflame the mucus membranes in the lungs, eyes, mouth, and nose. All together this causes sneezing, coughing, and breathing difficulties.
Recently some governments, like Egypt, have switched from using CS gas to using CR gas, or dibenzoxazepine, which is much more dangerous. It is 6 – 10 times more powerful and the effects are potentially lethal. In addition to the harmful effects of CS gas, CR gas can also cause unconsciousness or seizures. The effects are also stronger. With CS gas those affected will cough, but those affected by CR gas might be coughing blood. Another painful side effect of CR gas is caused by its reaction with moisture in the skin. If a person is sweating when the gas comes into contact with their skin, their skin will start to burn. This also means that trying to decontaminate those affected with water actually makes their skin more painful.
CN gas is another tear gas from the same family as CS and CR gas; however, this gas is simply too toxic to use. This gas alone has resulted in several deaths. CN gas is phenacyl chloride and has severe carcinogenic effects. Nowadays, it is primarily issued to armed forces. CN gas or CS gas are commonly issued in small canisters, like Mace, to be used for self-defense.
The effects of all three of these gases are compounded by physical activity, such as attempting to dodge it and run away. Using it in places that are not well ventilated, like narrow streets or spaces, also increases the effects.
How to avoid the effects?
Protesters around the world have shown that the use of tear gas will not deter them. In fact, many have come up with creative ways of stifling the effects. Homemade masks and goggles help to protect the eyes and reduce the amount of gas inhaled. Those exposed to tear gas should remain calm and try not to panic. They should also try to blow their noses, cough, spit, and rinse out their mouths instead of swallowing. This will help to get any tear gas out of their systems faster.
Breathing through any material soaked in vinegar or lemon juice can help reduce the effects and should buy those affected time to get to safer ground. Egyptian protesters have also found that a mixture of yeast and water helps to protect them against tear gas. They take this solution and spray it on their faces.
Is it legal?
The legality of using tear gas as a riot control agent against protesters has been heavily disputed. Many of these substances have been prohibited in war or for military use under the terms of the 1997 Chemical Weapons Convention. However, many countries still use these gases domestically. The argument for keeping these substances legal in this capacity is that they are non-lethal.
Using tear gas as a riot control agent against protesters continues to be a controversial tactic. Protesters have shown how dangerous these gases can be and they have also shown that they will not deter them.