Tear gas, commonly referring to riot control agents like CS (2-chlorobenzalmalononitrile) or CN (chloroacetophenone), is not a gas but an aerosolized powder or liquid that causes temporary incapacitation. These compounds are potent irritants that trigger an immediate, painful reaction in the mucous membranes of the eyes, nose, throat, and skin. Exposure results in profuse tearing, coughing, and a burning sensation that lasts until the chemical particles are removed. Since the agent adheres to moisture and surfaces, immediate action and proper decontamination procedures are absolutely necessary to minimize temporary discomfort and prevent prolonged re-exposure.
Immediate Personal Decontamination: Eyes, Skin, and Airway
The first step upon exposure is to immediately move out of the contaminated area and find fresh air, preferably upwind and on higher ground. Tear gas particles tend to sink and linger near the ground. As you move, take slow, shallow breaths to minimize the inhalation of irritant particles, and avoid running, which increases your breathing rate. Removing contaminated outer clothing right away is also important to prevent the agent from spreading and continuing to irritate the skin.
Do not rub your eyes or face, as this presses the oily irritant particles deeper into the skin and intensifies the burning sensation. Instead, remove contact lenses and begin flushing your eyes and exposed skin with cool water or a sterile saline solution. Tilt your head to the side while flushing your eyes to ensure the contaminated water runs away from your face and does not contaminate the other eye.
Once safe, gently blow your nose and spit out any contaminated saliva to clear your airway. The chemical agent is physically present on your skin and clothing and must be washed away. Seeking a cool shower or thorough washing as soon as possible is necessary to fully remove the lingering chemical residue.
Effective Solutions for Chemical Removal
Tear gas agents are typically oil-based organic compounds. Simple rinsing with water alone is insufficient because the particles will not dissolve readily. To remove the irritant, a physical and chemical breakdown of the oily residue is required, achieved using surfactants found in common soaps and detergents. These agents work by lowering the surface tension between the oil-based chemical and the water, allowing the irritant to be lifted and washed away.
A thorough, cool shower using a mild soap or liquid dish detergent is the most effective approach for removing the agent from the skin and hair. Use cool water only, as hot water opens the pores, allowing the chemical irritant to penetrate the skin further and prolong the burning sensation. Gently lather and rinse the entire body, especially the hair and scalp, multiple times. Be careful not to let the contaminated runoff water splash back onto your face.
Avoid common rumored remedies like milk, vinegar, or oil, as these are ineffective or potentially harmful. Milk is not sterile and poses a risk of bacterial infection if used to flush the eyes. Oils or petroleum-based products can trap the irritant against your skin, intensifying the burning. Water with a mild detergent is the proven, safe method for decontamination. This can sometimes be supplemented with a solution of water and baking soda for irritated skin, which creates a slightly alkaline environment that aids in the breakdown of the CS agent.
Decontaminating Clothing, Gear, and Surfaces
Contaminated clothing and gear can harbor the irritant for days, leading to continued re-exposure if not handled correctly. Immediately remove all exposed clothing, shoes, and accessories and seal them in a plastic bag to prevent further environmental contamination. Do not mix these items with uncontaminated laundry, as the chemical powder can easily transfer to other fabrics.
Clothing should be washed separately in a washing machine using cold water and a heavy-duty liquid detergent. It may be necessary to run the wash cycle multiple times to fully remove the chemical residue from the fabric fibers. Avoid using a clothes dryer or any heat source. Heat can vaporize the residual agent, re-aerosolizing the particles and contaminating the dryer, the surrounding air, and the clothing itself.
For hard surfaces like floors, counters, and walls, use a solution of soap and water or a mild bleach solution to wipe down the area. Porous materials like carpets, upholstered furniture, and curtains are much harder to decontaminate. If heavily exposed, these items may need professional cleaning or discarding due to the agent’s ability to deeply penetrate fibers. Ensure the area is well-ventilated by opening windows and using fans to circulate fresh air and disperse any lingering airborne particles.