How to Minimize the Effects of Tear Gas

Whether you're a protester, a journalist or an innocent bystander, if you get caught up in a volatile situation you may be exposed to tear gas. The tearing eyes and extreme pain may seem to be life-threatening, but with the effects should lessen within 30 minutes. Take precautions beforehand and use common sense after exposure. You can minimize the effects without permanently effecting your health.

Things You'll Need

• Soap
• Scissors

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Instructions

• 1

  Move away from the center of the tear gas attack as soon as possible. If the gas is in a building, leave for the outside or at least to a distant room. If the dispersal point is outdoors, move as far away as you can. Keep in mind that tear gas will accumulate in a cloud near the ground, so keep as high up as possible, at least by standing up.

• 2

  Remove any clothing that may have come in contact with the tear gas. Do not pull shirts or sweaters over your head, cut them off with scissors or a knife to avoid exposing your face to more chemicals.

• 3

  Wash your face and body with plain soap and water. Rinse with plenty of clear, uncontaminated water.

• 4

  Rinse your eyes with clean water if they are burning or if your vision is blurred. Continue rinsing them for 10 to 15 minutes. If you are wearing contact lenses, remove them with clean, freshly washed hands or have someone else with clean hands remove them for you. Do not reuse these contacts; dispose of them immediately.

• 5

  Remove any metal from your body, such as glasses or jewelry, and wash it in soap and water. Rinse in clean, clear water before replacing on your body.

• 6

  Throw away any clothing you were wearing when contaminated or wash thoroughly in a separate load of laundry.

• 7

  Wear rubber gloves if you are helping someone else who has been contaminated with tear gas. You can not help anyone else if you are effected with the gas, so be cautious before rendering aid.