What are the potential health effects of pepper spray and tear gas?
What are the potential health effects of pepper spray and tear gas?
These riot control agents affect the eyes, airways and skin. Exposure to best pepper spray and CS causes burning, irritation, tearing and pain in the eyes. Airway symptoms include burning, sneezing, cough, shortness of breath and increased secretions such as runny nose and increased salivation. Gagging and vomiting may also occur. People with pre-existing respiratory problems, such as upper respiratory infections, asthma, or emphysema, may be more sensitive to CS or pepper spray. The very old or very young may be more sensitive to chemical exposures than other individuals. In these groups of people, symptoms may take longer to clear up.
Skin symptoms include burning, redness and irritation. High concentrations of CS can cause blistering of the skin. Effects usually occur within seconds after exposure begins and symptoms usually end within 30-60 min after exposure stops. For some people symptoms can take a few days to clear up completely. Effects on skin may take longer to improve.
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