Tear gas works by binding to certain receptors on the surface of sensory neurons, which triggers the release of chemicals such as histamine and bradykinin. These chemicals are involved in the inflammatory process, which causes the symptoms of tear gas exposure.
Exposure to tear gas can cause a variety of symptoms, including:
* Intense burning and pain in the eyes: This is the most common symptom of tear gas exposure. The pain is often described as feeling like something is stuck in the eyes or that the eyes have been burned.
* Tearing and excessive mucus production: This is another common symptom of tear gas exposure. The eyes will produce a lot of tears and mucus in an attempt to flush out the irritant.
* Inflammation of the eyes and eyelids: The eyes may become red, swollen, and puffy. The eyelids may also swell and become difficult to open.
* Difficulty breathing: Tear gas can cause inflammation and swelling in the respiratory tract, which can lead to difficulty breathing. The pain of tear gas exposure can also cause people to take shallow, rapid breaths, which can worsen breathing difficulties.
* Coughing and sneezing: Tear gas can cause coughing and sneezing in an attempt to expel the irritant from the respiratory tract.
* Skin irritation: The chemicals in tear gas can also irritate the skin. The skin may become red and itchy, or it may even develop a rash.
In most cases, the symptoms of tear gas exposure are temporary and will resolve within a few hours or days. However, some people may experience more severe symptoms, such as corneal damage or long-term respiratory problems.
