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Tear gas in your future?
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Effects are supposedly temporary (www.kosovo.net)
On Sunday, our resident DNC reporter was wandering around Denver and came upon a scuffle between several of the ubiquitous SWAT guys and some protestors. As spectators gathered to watch the excitement, a cloud of white smoke blew up, and the crowd scattered. Tear Gas! But no, not this time. The scuffle was happening on a steam vent. Ironically while this was happening, I was miles away, talking to a friend about the time she was tear gassed, along with 4 small children, while attending the CU-CSU football game.
So tear gas might be in your future, whether in Denver this week, or at Invesco on Sunday. You don't have to be causing a disturbance to feel the effects of tear gas aimed at rowdy people. What to do?
Ortho-chlorobenzylidenemalononitrile, or CS gas, is a
lachrymatory agentthat causes tearing of the eyes and irritation of mucous membranes. Sneezing, coughing and bronchospasm are also likely. Mace is similar lachrymatory agent. The CS used by law enforcement is stronger than Mace, sold for personal protection. Though more severe, the effects of CS
wear offmore quickly. Small comfort when your eyes are swelling up.
According to the National Center for Emergency Medicine Informatics "exposed eyes should be irrigated with tepid water for 15 minutes." Anyone with an existing lung problem, such as asthma, should be checked by a doctor. Tear gas can also cause skin blistering. Wash off with soap and water as soon as possible. And change your clothes right away, as the chemical can linger in the fabric. Suggestions include putting contaminated clothes in a sealed plastic bag, and washing them separately from other laundry.
Unfortunately, innocent bystanders are just as likely to feel the ill effects as protestors or rowdy drunks. The only good news here is that the effects wear off quickly. If they don't, seek medical attention.
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