Short Wave How Tear Gas Affects The Body
Jun 10, 2020
Lisa Song, an environment reporter at ProPublica, dives into the alarming health effects of tear gas used in protests. She shares firsthand accounts from affected protesters, emphasizing the dangerous respiratory implications, especially during a pandemic. The discussion reveals the severe risks, including potential long-term health consequences for both protesters and innocent bystanders. Lisa highlights the need for more research on these hidden dangers, shedding light on a critical public health issue.
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Tear Gas: A Misnomer
- Tear gas, commonly used by law enforcement, is a misnomer.
- It's a liquid chemical, not a gas, and it causes pain and breathing difficulties.
CS: The Common Culprit
- CS, the most common tear gas, causes intense pain by triggering a specific receptor.
- This is the same receptor activated by wasabi but amplified significantly.
Philadelphia Protest Experience
- In Philadelphia, a protester described a terrifying experience of being tear-gassed in a confined space.
- The combination of pain, blindness, and restricted movement caused fear and a near-stampede.