TEAR GASES AND HEALTH

Abstract

Use of tear gases to control civil unrest is accepted practice by government authorities worldwide, in spite
of their harmful effects in human health and its ban by different organization. The most commonly used
riot control agents used as fumigant includes pepper spray, popularly known as OC (Oleoresin Capsicum)
and different types of tear gases which are o-chlorobenzylidene malononitrile, known commonly as CS,
omega-chloroacetophenone, known as CN, and dibenz 1,4-oxazepine, known as CR and different types of
solvent used to disperse these agents. These gases are responsible for not only the acute and chronic health
effects but also for the significant economic loss. Investigations shows that CS, CN, OC, CR and methylene
chloride (the solvent used to disperse these agents) are responsible for acute and chronic health effects
ranging from severe flu-like symptoms, to pulmonary edema and acute respiratory distress, to chromosome
aneuploidy in germ and somatic cells, which may leads to birth defects in offspring and cancer. The only
immediate physical symptoms developed by a victim of these gases are the irritating and immediately
debilitating effects of the CN or CS itself. Apparently, the immediate acute effects of the gas wear off within
ten to fifteen minutes. Although the chemical agents have been used for many years, full extent of effects on
health is far beyond our understanding. All manufacturers and the police department must disclose the
material data safety sheets of all chemicals used in crowd control and strictly follow the guidelines for
deployment. Manufacturers should be responsible for the acute and chronic health effects of the chemicals
they create and government should take responsibility for after care.

Key Words: Tear gases, Health hazards, Nepal.