TEAR GAS

Written By James Gladbach

✧ THE SYSTEM DOESN’T PROTECT US—WE PROTECT EACH OTHER ✧

  • Tear gas isn’t actually a gas. It’s a fine powder (usually CS or CN) dispersed in smoke or aerosol form. It clings to everything it touches—especially moisture—and keeps burning until it’s washed off.

    It sticks to:

    • Skin

    • Hair

    • Clothing

    • Bags, shoes, gear

    It’s designed to:

    • Overwhelm your senses

    • Induce pain and panic

    • Disrupt and scatter groups

    Symptoms include:

    • Intense burning in eyes, throat, and lungs

    • Coughing, choking, and shortness of breath

    • Disorientation, panic, and temporary blindness

    • Worsening of asthma, heart, or anxiety conditions

    Even brief exposure can linger for hours—especially if it’s not cleaned off properly.

  • Tear gas is meant to confuse and scatter you. Don’t let it.

    Here’s what to do in the first 60 seconds:

    1. Don’t Panic

    • Panic speeds up your breathing, which pulls more gas into your lungs.

    • Slow your inhale through a cloth or your sleeve to reduce intake.

    • Blink rapidly to flush your eyes naturally—rubbing spreads particles and worsens burning.

    2. Move Wisely

    • Tear gas travels in visible clouds. If you can, move upwind or crosswind—never downwind.

    • Avoid alleyways, corners, and closed-in areas where gas can concentrate.

    • Help others orient and move. Tear gas disorients—guidance matters.

    3. Cover Up

    • If you have a mask, respirator, or soaked cloth, wear it now.

    • Use one of the following on your cloth or mask:

      – Vinegar: slightly acidic, may reduce irritation

      – Baking soda rinse (1 tsp baking soda + 1 cup water): for use on skin only, not eyes

    • These won’t neutralize the gas but can provide some relief by altering the surface pH and filtering droplets.

  • Maalox & Water (L.A.W.) Solution

    Used by protesters in Turkey, Hong Kong, Venezuela, and elsewhere.

    What It Is:

    A 1:1 mixture of plain liquid antacid (like Maalox) and clean water. The antacid contains aluminum hydroxide and magnesium hydroxide, which can help neutralize acidic tear gas particles on the skin.

    Use only unflavored, unsweetened Maalox or equivalent. Avoid any products with simethicone, flavoring, or extra ingredients.

    How to Prepare:

    • Mix 1 part Maalox with 1 part clean water in a spray bottle or squeeze bottle.

    • Shake well before use. Label the bottle clearly.

    • Store out of direct heat and sunlight.

    How to Use in the Field:

    • Spray directly on skin (face, neck, arms) where burning is severe — it may not stop the burn entirely but can help reduce pain and slow absorption.

    • Rinse your mouth and spit — this helps flush gas particles that settled in the throat or on gums. Do not swallow the solution.

    • Do NOT use in the eyes — for eyes, use only saline or clean water to avoid further irritation or injury.

    Why This Helps:

    Tear gas causes chemical burns. Neutralizing the pH on the skin or mouth can ease pain, especially when rinsed quickly. However, this solution does not “cure” exposure — it just helps manage symptoms until full decontamination is possible.

  • (Once you’re clear of the gas, act quickly to limit exposure damage.)

    For Eyes:

    • Flush with saline or clean water only — other substances (milk, oils, Maalox) can cause infections or worsen the burn.

    • Tilt your head forward and to the side while rinsing — this keeps runoff from spreading gas residue onto your face, neck, or clothing.

    • Blink rapidly during the rinse — blinking helps push gas particles out naturally through tear flow.

    For Skin and Mouth:

    • Rinse exposed areas with cold water — cold constricts pores and limits chemical absorption.

    • Blow your nose, spit often, and rinse your mouth — gas sticks to mucous membranes; these actions help remove residue.

    • Do NOT rub or scrub your skin — friction spreads the chemicals and can drive them deeper.

    Helping Others:

    • Narrate each step aloud — tear gas can cause confusion and panic; calm, clear instructions help the person regain control.

    • Ask for consent before touching — even in crisis, respect bodily autonomy.

    • Guide their breathing — slow, steady breathing reduces hyperventilation and lowers chemical intake.

  • Before Entering a Home, Car, or Shelter:

    • Remove exposed clothing outside — tear gas particles cling to fabric and can spread indoors.

    • Seal contaminated items in plastic bags — this prevents the gas from re-aerosolizing or contaminating enclosed spaces.

    • Rinse your body with cold water before going inside — this washes away residue without opening your pores (which would absorb more chemical).

    • Avoid touching surfaces like doorknobs, walls, or your phone until you’ve fully cleaned up — contamination spreads easily on contact.

    Shower Protocol:

    • Use cold water first — hot water opens pores and can drive chemicals deeper into your skin.

    • Use non-oil-based soap — oil traps particles and spreads them instead of removing them.

    • Wash hair thoroughly — twice if needed — gas binds to hair and lingers unless fully rinsed.

    • Avoid conditioner or lotion — these seal in chemicals and can prolong skin irritation.

    Cleaning Contaminated Items:

    • Wash exposed clothing separately in cold water. Run multiple cycles if needed — CS particles do not always wash out the first time.

    • Scrub shoes and gear using gloves. Let them air-dry outdoors — especially rubber soles and straps which absorb more residue.

    • Disinfect reusable gear while wearing gloves and a mask — especially masks, goggles, water bottles, and anything that touched your skin.

  • Most symptoms fade within an hour. But if your body isn’t recovering, don’t wait.

    Seek medical attention if you experience:

    • Difficulty breathing that doesn’t go away

    • Chest pain, tightness, or wheezing

    • Eye pain or vision changes

    • Skin blistering, rash, or chemical burns

    • Nausea, dizziness, or confusion

    • Symptoms that last more than 48 hours

Not all fairies wear wings. Some wear masks.

  • Disrupt deployment. Protect the crowd. Act with purpose.

    1. Spot the Canister Early

    Tear gas is most dangerous in enclosed or trapped areas. If you see an officer about to fire:

    • Shout “GAS” loud and clear.

    • Point and signal — others may not see it.

    • Look for the arc of the launch or where it lands.

    2. Clear the Area

    • Help people move calmly upwind or crosswind.

    • Assist those disoriented, injured, or unable to move quickly.

    • Guide toward exits or fresher air, not toward bottlenecks.

    3. Protect Yourself

    • Use a mask or vinegar-soaked/baking soda cloth over your nose and mouth.

    • Cover your skin as much as possible — long sleeves, goggles, gloves.

    • Don’t panic. Breathe deliberately. Blink fast.

    4. Neutralize the Canister

    ⚠️ This carries risk — assess the situation first.

    • Use fire-resistant gloves, tongs, or a traffic cone to handle the canister.

    • Cover and smother: Place a heavy container, wet cloth, or metal bowl over it to contain the gas.

    • Move it (if safe): Kick it away from the crowd, or into a safe drainage area.

    • Never throw it back at police — this escalates response and increases risk of serious charges.

    5. Support the Frontlines

    • Coordinate roles: runners, medics, water carriers, scouts.

    • Call out new canisters as they’re launched.

    • Use hand signals to maintain non-verbal comms in loud or panicked areas.

    • Keep your crew grounded and moving.

    6. Aid the Exposed

    • Help rinse eyes and skin with water or saline (never milk or oil).

    • Narrate what you’re doing to calm them.

    • Lead them to safe space if they can’t move well on their own.

James Gladbach