Extensive Exposure to Tear Gases in Ankara

Area of Science:

• Toxicology
• Environmental Health
• Respiratory Medicine

Background:

• Commonly used mass control agents include chloroacetophenone, chlorobenzylidene malononitrile, and oleoresin capsicum.
• These agents exhibit both local, rapid effects and systemic, long-term health consequences.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the patterns of tear gas exposure.
• To assess the impact of tear gas exposure on respiratory functions.

Main Methods:

• A survey was conducted with 86 individuals exposed to tear gas during public protests.
• Exposure occurred both indoors and outdoors.

Main Results:

• Frequent respiratory complaints included cough, dyspnea, phlegm, and chest pain.
• Indoor exposers showed significantly lower mean forced vital capacity (FVC) and forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) compared to outdoor exposers.
• Respiratory symptoms and signs were more prevalent in individuals exposed indoors.

Conclusions:

• The safety of chemical mass control agents used in protests is questionable due to associated health risks.
• Indoor tear gas exposure presents a higher risk to respiratory health.