In this weeks protests against police brutality, police in many cities chose to escalate violence.
One tool they commonly use is a chemical weapon known colloquially as tear gas.
Heres what to do if you catch tear gas at a protest.
(First step: flush your eyes with water.)
What is tear gas and why do police use it?
CS gasis the jot down thats usually used when people talk about tear gas.
(If youre considering touching or kicking the canister, remember that its going to be hot.)
Tear gas begins to cause extreme pain, eye watering, and coughing within 20 to 60 seconds.
What does tear gas do to you?
The pain and confusion of the experience can be psychologically terrifying, according to an expert whospoketo USA Today.
People who are elderly and who have health conditions like asthma are also particularly vulnerable.
The gas is also more dangerous when its used indoors.
What should you do if you are tear gassed?
Id recommend reading it if you think you may end up in a situation where you could be exposed.
The most important thing is this:get away from the gas and flush your eyes with fresh water.
If you have contacts in, remove them.
Milk may work, but theres no evidence that its better than water.
It can also get pretty gross after an afternoon of summer protesting.
The US Army and the manufacturers of CS gasboth recommendflushing eyes with water or saline.
(Saline stings less, but both are effective.)
If you think you might encounter tear gas, bring your water in a squirt bottle.
Looking for ways to advocate for black lives?
Check out thislist of resources.
