According to the CDC, tear gas and other riot control agents (RCAs) are chemical compounds that temporarily make people unable to function by irritating the eyes, nose, mouth, throat, lungs, and skin. RCAs are also known as "tear gas." CS (chlorobenzylidene malononitrile) is the most common type of RCA. Here are the common signs of exposure and how to remove tear gas from your home or business.
Common Symptoms of exposure to tear gas
When tear gas and other RCAs are used, people usually have symptoms that include: burning eyes, skin, and throat, trouble breathing, coughing, and runny nose, among others. These symptoms usually go away within 30 minutes to an hour after leaving the area where the tear gas was used.
In rare cases, people may have more serious health problems from being exposed to tear gas and other RCAs, such as trouble breathing (due to bronchospasm), chemical burns, eye injuries, and affectations in the mucous membranes. People with asthma, heart conditions and other chronic problems may be at higher health risk for more serious health problems from exposure to tear gas and other poisoning RCAs.
Tear gas has been used by Police Enforcement for decades now
RCAs were first used in World War I as chemical weapons. The U.S. military began using them in the 1960s during the Vietnam War. Police departments have used RCAs in the United States since the 1970s.
During protests and riots, police have used tear gas to disperse crowds. Tear gas is also used in law enforcement and military personnel training exercises.
What you can do in case of exposure to tear gas
There is no specific treatment for exposure to tear gas and other RCAs. Treatment focuses on relieving symptoms. People who have been exposed to tear gas and other RCAs should:
- Remove their clothing and wash it immediately
- Take a cold shower with soap
- Rinse their eyes with cool water for 10 minutes
- Drink lots of fluids (water is best) to prevent dehydration
- Rest and relax in a cool, well-ventilated area until symptoms have gone away
- Have the affected areas disinfected by a professional tear gas cleaning company.
If you have asthma or another chronic health condition, make sure to follow your doctor's instructions on what to do if you are exposed to tear gas and other RCAs.
Suppose your home or business has been exposed to tear gas, pepper spray, riot gas, or other types of RCAs. In that case, you should consider hiring a tear gas cleanup company like Bio-One to properly disinfect and disinfect the impacted areas.
These types of gases linger for long periods of time in the HVAC system, household upholstery, clothing, and carpets which is why proper equipment and professional decontamination are necessary.
Proper tear gas removal is crucial for occupational safety and health compliance
When tear gas is used, it leaves a residue that can be harmful to people and animals. This residue can cause burning, itching, and irritation of the skin, eyes, nose, and throat. It is important to remove tear gas residue from any areas as soon as possible to avoid these health problems.
Tear gas is an important law enforcement tool but can also be a major nuisance. If you find yourself the victim of tear gas, you may wonder how to deal with the residue. Give us a call at Bio-One to learn how our cleanup services may be useful to you, your family, and your workplace.
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