TEAR GAS

The most widely used forms of tear gas have been 0-chlorobenzylidenemalononitrile and w-chloroacetophenone. The use of tear gas is recent situations of civil unrest, however, demonstrates that exposure to the weapon is difficult to control and indiscriminate, and the weapon is often not used correctly.

Tear gas is a weapon that has become familiar to the world. Hardly a week goes by without press reports of tear gas being used in a public setting, typically the dispersal of demonstrators or to subdue a barricaded criminal. Recent years have seen the use of large amounts of tear gas in several countries, including CHILE, PANAMA, SOUTH KOREA, and the Gaza strip and West Bank, Israel.

Tear gas is actually the common term for a family of chemical Compounds that have otherwise referred to as “harassing agents” Because of there ability to cause temporary disablement. This is a weapon that has gained widespread acceptance as a means of controlling civilian populations during disturbances.

Tear gas causes temporary blindness through the excessive flow of tears resulting from irritation of the eyes. The gas is used in chemical warfare and as a means for dispersing mobs. When the device explodes, the liquid is dispersed as an aerosol.

The tear gas which is called CN is still being used in the USA. Chloroacetophenone is generally acknowledged to be of greater toxicity than CS, being more likely to cause permanent corneal damage on contact with the eye and primary and allergic contact dermatitis.

As already know most exposure to CS and CN typically cause immediate and severe irritations of the eyes and respiratory tract accompanied by blepharospasm, lacrimation, coughing, sneezing, rhinorrehea followed rapidly by a burning sensation of exposed skin surfaces and the mouth. Some people also experience vomiting, and headaches. These symptoms usually disappear within a few hours after removal from exposure.

We also believe, however, that the evidence already assembled regarding the pattern of use of tear gas, as well as its toxicology, raises the question of whether its further use can be condoned under any conditions. Fact-finding missions to areas of civil unrest in addition to South Korea have frequently observed security forces using tear gas against peaceful demonstrators and not uncommonly against civilians in no way involved in protest.

At the time when the world has recently sees the recurrence of the use of mustard gas, this time in the Middle East, it is also worthy to note than in 1969, at the United Nations General Assembly, 80 countries voted to ban the use of any chemical in war including tear gas, under the Geneva Protocol.

In our opinion tear gas shouldn’t be used, during demonstrations, because we have the

right to express our opinion, without fear of government. That is what we call democracy.

They can’t stop people this way, it’s too dangerous and in addition illegal. Tear gas harms people, but the government doesn’t care. Here are all examples why we decided to write this article.

KONSTANTINA TSIVOU

SALOME ABAISHVILI