Tear Gas is a chemical substance that irritates the eyes and mucous membranes with the primary physical effect manifesting in coughing and choking. Tear Gas is used in a variety of ways such as riot control and to force the surrender of fugitives confined to a structure.
The two main types of Tear Gas are CN and CS. CN, chloroacetophenone, comes in various forms.
History
First discovered in Germany in the 1860’s, CN Tear Gas has been combined with benzene and carbon tetrachloride to produce CNB. CNC adds chloroform. Vomiting and lung damage is caused by a variant of CN Tear Gas that adds chloropicrin. This variant, CNS, was used during World War I (1914-1918).
The majority of the Tear Gas utilized by the authorities is less toxic substance than its predecessors (1). Chlorobenzylidene malononitrile, CS, was first produced during the 1920’s. This less-toxic version of Tear Gas still produces the tearing, coughing, dizziness, and nausea but it washes off more easily than CN Tear Gas.
Tear Gas Response
CN Tear Gas is still used primarily inside structures. Authorities have come under scrutiny for the use of Tear Gas due to the unpredictable outcomes of delivery systems. Examples of injury and death have been cited in criticisms of Tear Gas response. Projectile delivery systems encase Tear Gas in a round that is fired and eventually deteriorates to release the substance.
The response during the 1993 siege of the Branch Davidian compound in Waco, Texas caused over eighty deaths. Although many of these deaths were due to gunshot wounds, the majority of the fatalities were due to fire.
This fire was attributed to the Tear Gas projectiles that were shot into the structure at various points.
In addition to a potential fire hazard, current Tear Gas delivery systems cannot control the concentrations of the substance in the environment they are introduced to. High concentrations of Tear Gas may cause permanent injury and possibly death.
Remediation Services
We will chemically treat this tear gas powder to neutralize its reactive effects and can remove the residue to restore the use of the environment. The proprietary chemicals used in this process are non-toxic, Hypo-allergenic, and have a neutral scent.
