Photo Credit: Donovan Valdivia (@duhhhitsdrew on Instagram)
HOW CAN I MINIMIZE THE EFFECTS?
1. Cover your eyes, nose, mouth and skin as much as possible
2. Minimize the amount of time you’re in contact with gas
a. Move away as quickly as possible
b. Worse the longer you’re exposed
3. Avoid use of oils & lotions
a. (they can trap the chemicals and thereby prolong exposure)
4. Gas masks provide the best facial protection, if properly fitted and sealed.
a. Alternatively, googles, respirators or a wet bandana over the nose and mouth will help.
b. Prevent it from entering your airways
c. Googles can protect your eyes
5. STAY CALM
a. Panicking increases the irritation.
b. Breathe slowly and remember it is only temporary
6. Blow your nose, rinse your mouth, cough & spit.
7. Try not to swallow
8. Wearing contacts?
a. Remove or get someone to remove them for you, with CLEAN, uncontaminated fingers.
b. Destroy the lenses after exposure
9. DO NOT RUB IT IN
10. Use an eye flush using a solution of half liquid antacid and half water. (This only applies to aluminum hydroxide or magnesium hydroxide)
INNOVATIVE WAYS TO PREVENT THE EFFECTS OF TEAR GAS
1. Extinguish tear gas canisters with water bottles using cones before it spreads
2. Those standing in the frontlines wearing armor
3. Seran wrapping their arms and legs for skin protection
4. Using garbage can lids and umbrellas as shields
5. Creating a human supply chain and using hand signals to ask for certain materials
6. Quick, massive crowd parts for ambulance passage
7. Sharing posters with information via Airdrop (iPhone users)
8. Evasion tactic titled "BE WATER" to avoid police, encourages people to move quickly rather than occupying a single location
a. Sometimes cops will come to disperse crowd already leaving or gone
9. People hiding identity with laser pointers and spray paint directed at cameras
10. Stay anonymous using single transit bus/train tickets so those participating in protests don't have to use the card to register their name.
ALREADY BEEN EXPOSED? THERE IS NO ANTIDOTE.
1. Get out of there! As quickly and calmly as you can, remove yourself from the gas-filled area and seek fresh air.
2. Seek high ground if possible, vapor from tear gas settles to the ground
3. Face the wind. Fresh air will help blow excess tear gas powder off of you and will prevent it from blowing back into your mouth or eyes.
4. Rinse/flush your eyes with cold water. While rinsing your eyes from the inner to the outer corner, avoid allowing the contaminated water to run onto your skin or clothes.
5. Remove and rinse your clothing and body with cold water. DO NOT use hot water. Using hot water will open your pores and allow the chemicals to seep further in, resulting in even more skin irritation. DO NOT take a bath – as you will only soak yourself in the chemicals. Get the vapors off your skin!
WILL I BE OKAY?
Most people who are exposed don’t develop long-term effects and recover without complications. If you have pre existing medical conditions, seek medical treatment immediately! In some cases, exposure to tear gas can cause severe complications or death. Prolonged exposure or large doses can lead to things like respiratory failure and blindness.
If you’re exposed to tear gas, seek medical attention immediately so that you can be monitored by a medical professional!
Helpful links, references and sources used for this compilation:
Compilation of a infographic from Amnesty International
Eye advice from a doctor:
No health insurance?
Written By: Alice Jin
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