Alert! The Dangers Of Tear Gas Can Cause Irritation To The Eyes And Skin

Illustration (Photo: Doc. Antara)

SURABAYA - University of Muhammadiyah (UM) Surabaya Health Specialist Dede Nasrullah S.Kep., Ns explained, the dangers of tear gas can cause irritation to the eyes, respiratory system, and skin.

Dede Nasrullah said tear gas contains three groups of chemicals, one of which is often used, namely chloroacetophenone, abbreviated as CN and chlorobenzylidenemalononitrile, abbreviated as CS.

"Exposure to these chemicals can directly cause irritation to the eyes, respiratory system and skin," said Dede, who is also a lecturer at the UM Surabaya Health Sciences Faculty, quoted from Antara, Sunday, October 2.

According to him, these CS compounds are usually formulated with several chemicals, especially the solvent methyl isobutyl ketone (MIBK) which is used as a carrier.

"This CS compound is associated with nerve receptors that can cause pain, when tear gas is exposed to the skin, especially on the face and eyes it will cause a stinging and stinging feeling," he said.

In addition, he continued, experiencing some tear gas pain can also cause itching of the skin, heat, and blurred vision. Other symptoms related to breathing may be experienced, such as difficulty breathing, coughing, nausea and vomiting.

Dede explained that the first thing that can be done when exposed to tear gas is to flush the area with clean running water, because this water can reduce the concentration of CS compounds in the formulation.

"Secondly, cover your nose, eyes and mouth tightly with a mask to minimize the inhalation of the gas," he said.

Third, immediately change clothes that have been contaminated and do not touch or touch body parts.

"Fourth, immediately move away from areas affected by tear gas. Finally, seek medical attention, if there are still effects from tear gas 20 minutes later or if you experience shortness of breath, seek medical attention immediately," said Dede.

Meanwhile, regarding the use of tear gas in football matches, Dede assessed that the security by using tear gas was a violation of FIFA's security code of ethics.

Moreover, the impact of the tear gas on the stadium is very crowded and not conducive, the authorities should be able to take other security measures.

"Hopefully this incident can be a lesson for all of us, so that football in Indonesia will be even better and there will be no similar incidents, because in essence life must be prioritized above everything else," he said.

It is known that a riot occurred after the match between Arema FC and Persebaya Surabaya with a final score of 2-3 at the Kanjuruhan Stadium, Malang Regency, East Java, Saturday, October 1 night.

The riot started when thousands of Aremania fans rushed into the field after Arema FC lost.

The riots grew bigger as a number of flares were thrown, including other objects.

Security officers from the police and TNI tried to dispel the supporters.

With the number of security officers not comparable to the number of thousands of Arema FC supporters, the officers then fired tear gas.

The tear gas shot left many fans unconscious and had difficulty breathing.

East Java Regional Police Chief Inspector General Nico Afinta said there were around 127 people who died in the incident. Two of the dead were members of the National Police.