Tear gas is not allowed to be used in warfare but can be used by law enforcement agencies and civilians for self-defense. There are two most popular tear gas formulas that are used in self-defense. This article will discuss the best tear gas formula for self-defense.

Tear gas spray

Despite the name ‘tear gas’, it is not actually a gas or just one single chemical. Tear gas spray comprises of numerous compounds that are utilized as lachrymatory agents. It can be mace spray ( CN gas ) or pepper spray ( OC gas ), they both can be used as a self-defense spray.

CS gas or mace, consists of 2-chlorobenzylidene malononitrile and a liquid solvent, usually methylene chloride.

Pepper spray or OC spray consists of Oleoresin Capsicum, which is extract derived from chili peppers.

Tear gas formulations can also contain several different compounds, like this:

●       Chloroacetophenone (CN)

●       Dibenzoxazepine (CR)

What does tear gas do?

The components present in the tear gas causes irritation in the nose, eyes, mouth and lungs, resulting in burning, coughing, tearing and stinging sensations. It further causes difficulty in breathing and pain in the chest. If exposed to high concentrations of tear gas, you can face vomiting, stomach irritation and diarrhea.

If you release a concentration of 1 milligram per cubic meter, it would result in irritation. However, if used greater than that, things could go worse. You can use 10 milligram per cubic meter to retreat trained soldiers from an area.

Tear gas can be dangerous to people. It is not completely legal, however, it is used by military officers to handle messy situations, like riots.

Tear gas treatment :

If you face to any of tear gases, immediate treatment is necessary. The best way to treat the symptoms if you’ve been exposed to tear gas is, giving yourself some time and breathing fresh air. The irritation will go away in some time.

However, if you’ve been exposed to a higher concentration of tear gas, you need to consult a doctor. For example, if you’ve been exposed to tear gas in enclosed spaces, asthma medication or bottled oxygen may help you in easing your difficulty in breathing.

If your skin has been exposed to the tear gas, you should wash it immediately with soap. And if your eyes have been exposed, you should wash them with saline solution or sterile water. You can read more about tear gas treatment here.

Remember

It was used by the French and the Germans in the early years. Since the occurrence of World War 1, the military has been using and trying to get their hands on tear gas. The CS gas, however, came out later when American Chemists introduced the component 2-chlorobenzylidene malononitrile.

However, an exposure to a higher concentration may result in serious health issues.