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Tear gas and
Tear gas and The U.S. Customs and border protection used tear gas on which seems too much for the "threat". Tear gas has unknown but possibly very negative effects on . Not fair for those legally pursuing asylum to the U.S. As a result of past protests like that in Ferguson, Mo. — where tear gas was used routinely — the effect on adults is fairly well documented. But the impact of tear gas on is less covered in the media. So how does tear gas affect the youngest among us, and are there long-term risks? Nina Shapiro, MD, director of Pediatric Ear, Nose and Throat at the UCLA Mattel ’s Hospital and a professor at the David Geffen School of Medicine, tells Yahoo Lifestyle that the situation is serious. “Tear gas is technically known as a ‘lachrymator’ [lachrymal glands are the tear glands], as the substances cause the eyes to tear,” Shapiro explains, citing several different chemicals that may be used. “The substances attack certain protein channels and enzymes in the eyes, mucous membranes, and skin, causing the acute reaction.” In adults, these chemicals cause severe burning of the eyes, nose, throat and face. But in , this reaction can be even more painful. “ will have more significant reactions, especially if they have a history of asthma, colds or allergies,” says Shapiro. “Any baseline inflammation will lead to more significant reactions to these agents.” While there are no immediate treatments that can help with the symptoms, Shapiro says the best practice is to quickly remove any clothes that have been exposed and wash them with soap. Oral antihistamines, such as Benadryl, can also help “reduce tearing and skin itching,” she says, but rinsing eyes with water is not necessarily helpful. “That may make symptoms worse,” Shapiro says. Although studies on the long-term effects of tear gas on adults aren’t conclusive, Shapiro says that there is a great potential for to face chronic issues after exposure. “As with any airborne irritant, are much more susceptible to acute and chronic injury. Their mucosa and skin and eyes are much more sensitive than those of adults, and these are being exposed to the same dose of these toxic substances as are adults,” Shapiro tells Yahoo Lifestyle. “Not only will they suffer more acute injury, [but] long-term damage to their skin, eyes and airways is [also] much more likely.” She adds, “Long-term effects may include permanent skin burns, chronic breathing issues due to inflammatory response in the airways, corneal injury. It is absolutely horrific.” |
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Who knew tear gas was not good for kids? Strange isn't it.
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