Tear Gas Can Cause Soreness To Irritation, Why?

JAKARTA - Tear gas is generally used to disperse the mass of demonstrations, as has happened in recent days in Indonesia. However, the use of tear gas can cause problems in people who are directly exposed.

A person who is exposed to or breathes tear gas can feel uncomfortable, for example feeling sore or burning in the nose and eyes area. Tear gas can also cause irritation of the mouth, throat, skin, and lungs for a while.

Quoted from Healthline, on Friday, August 29, 2025, this effect occurred due to the chemical content in tear gas. Tear gas contains varying compounds, most commonly used including choloroacetophenone (CN) and chlorobenzylidenemaontrille (CS).

Chemical substances in tear gas are related to TRPA1 and TRPV1 receptors. Both include pain receptors so that it will cause discomfort when receptors are associated with certain substances.

The severity of the symptoms felt depends on several factors. Starting from the distance to the tear gas, to the amount of tear gas used.

When dealing with tear gas, there are several things that can be done to protect the body from exposure, as follows:

1. As much as possible stay away from the tear gas area is released and get fresh air. 2. To minimize exposure to tear gas, cover your eyes, nose, and skin as much as possible. 3. If tear gas causes the eyes to burn, then wash your eyes using water for 10 to 15 minutes. Painful taste will usually disappear after 20 minutes. 4. Change contaminated clothes and shower to remove particles that stick to the skin, in order to avoid irritation. 5. If you experience complaints, you should visit health services for further treatment.