A lachrymatory agent is a chemical Composé which causes an irritation or a flow of the eyes (Larme S). Any substance having this effect can be called lachrymatory. However a teargas is a chemical substance chosen for its weak Toxicité and which is regarded as nonlethal.

Teargas is a generic term for the whole of the compounds causing a temporary incapacity by irritation of the eyes and/or the respiratory system.

The teargases most current are the ocular irritants CS, CN, CR and the respiratory irritant “Piment OC” in aerosol.

History

Following several seats against outlaws and terrorists clarifying the under-equipment of the Parisian police force; the Prefect of police Louis Lépine establishes on May 26th, 1912 a special subcommittee charged to work out means of action and protection against barricaded criminals.

The first teargas employed was ethyl the éherbromacétique one or bromacétate known since 1850 for its irritating properties.

It was tested as from September 1913 by the Police headquarter of Paris then used by that Ci as from March 1913 to neutralize the exaggerated ones and the individuals barricaded.

End August 1914, the military Engineering of the French Army used this gas in the form of suffocating cartridges in Alsace against the German Armée. That was a failure and will involve a controversy with the Germany about the release of the Chemical war.

The lachrymatory term appears only in 1915.

The use of this product spread throughout the world as from the years 1920 and was used to disperse the demonstrations as from the years 1930.

Use

The gas is used either in Aérosol ( spray ) for the Auto-défense, or in grenades. It is commonly used by the forces of police force.

These compounds are often used to disperse the riot S. Indeed, they quickly produce an irritation or a stun physical embarrassment which disappears after the end from the exposure. They can also be used at martial training sessions.

Effects

The effects on the body are multiple:

• respiratory problems

• nausea S, Vomiting S
• irritation of the respiratory tracts
• irritation of the lachrymal ways and the eyes
• thoracic spasms
• pains
• Dermatite S, Allergy S

The effects are accentuated in hot and wet weather.

With strong amount:

• Nécrose fabrics in the respiratory tracts

• necroses fabrics in the digestive system
• edema S pulmonary
• Hémorragie S interns (hemorrhages of the glands Surrénale S)
• degradation of the products in other substances Toxique S (Cyanure and Thiocyanate)

To protect itself from teargases

Certain socialist organizations and Libertaire S advise certain techniques to protect from teargas at the time them demonstrations or to prevent the their most dangerous effects. There exist even guides of the demonstrator .

These various sources in particular recommend to avoid carrying lenses of sight when one goes some share where one is likely to be exposed with teargases. The gas can be wedged under the lenses and damage the sight. In the event of exposure to gases with lenses, it is advised to make them withdraw quickly by somebody whose hands were not contaminated by gas.

Prevention

It is possible to be equipped to minimize the effect of teargases. The best of protections is the Gas mask. However, the gas mask is regarded as a weapon in much country and its prohibited use without authorization. The glasses of ski or diving protect the eyes effectively. A scarf soaked with vinegar or lemon on the face helps to breathe. It is disadvised coating the skin of cream or of greasy substance, on the other hand, the fact of washing well the face and clothing with soap prevents gases from being fixed. The Maalox is supposed to neutralize gases, even if no medical source confirms it, and some advise to prepare a solution of Maalox diluted with fifty percent to sprinkle the face of it.

In the event of exposure

In the event of exposure to teargases, a solution of Maalox can relieve the skin and the eyes. The pure water can sometimes increase the pain if it is not versed in abundance because it dissolves the crystals deposited by gas.

Warning statement

It is dangerous to start again the teargas grenades with the hands. These bombs are very hot, they explode and are covered with lachrymatory agents.

See too

• gas CS
• nonlethal Weapon

References