5 November 2024
Feb 6, 2019 by 500 Words Magazine -

Sudan Protests: What Does Tear Gas Do?

Since 19 December 2018, protests began across Sudan calling for the downfall of Sudanese President Omar Al Bashir and his regime, the National Congress Party (NCP). Thousands of protesters took to the streets chanting, ‘Tasgut Bas!’, telling Al Bashir, ‘Just fall, that is all!’

National Intelligence and Security Service (NISS) responded to protests with live ammunition, rubber bullets and tear gas. Firstly and commonly, NISS attempts to disperse protests by using tear gas then begins shooting either rubber bullets or live ammunition at protesters.

The total numbers of deaths since the protests began on 19 December 2018 is ambiguous. According to the Human Rights Watch (HRW), at least 47 were killed in clashes with riot police. Sudanese officials say at least 26 people have died whereas rights groups say more than 40 have been killed. Most casualties were a result of gunshot wounds. Several injuries have resulted from tear gas, which Sudanese refer to as ‘bomban‘ ‘بمبان‘. Although tear gas is considered a non-lethal chemical weapon, its effects can be damaging.

Tear gas is used both by the police for crowd control, and by individuals for self-defense. There are at least three types of tear gas one of which is the inflammatory agent, pepper spray, made from chili peppers mixed with a corn-like oil. Tear gas is not actually a gas at all. The active chemicals found in tear gas are solid at room temperature. Common compounds found in tear gas include chlorobenzalmalononitrile (CS) and chloroacetophenone (CN), which are both known as mace.

The tear gas is an irritant launched in the form of grenades or aerosol cans to irritate mucous membranes in the eyes, nose, mouth and lungs, and cause:

  • Stinging and burning in your eyes, nose, mouth and skin
  • Excessive tearing and blurry eyesight
  • Sneezing and runny nose
  • Increased salivation
  • Coughing and difficulty breathing
  • Disorientation, confusion and sometimes panic

The effects are temporary. Discomfort from tear gas usually disappears after 5-30 minutes, while the worst discomfort may take up to two hours to subside. The effects diminish sooner with treatment. However, there were many incidents of people permanently losing their eye/s or eyesight during impact with tear gas canisters.

One of the most shared images of the Sudan uprising is of Sameh, who lost his right eye during protests in Burri, Khartoum. The dark story turns romantic when his a’agid, the religious ceremony where the groom and bride agree to become husband and wife, took place in his hospital bed at Royal Care Hospital.

Another one of most shared images on social media was of Mohamed Salih Adil who lost his hand during one of earliest protests of the Sudan uprising in Khartoum in December 2018 when a tear gas canister exploded in his hand when he attempted to lift it up and keep it away from other protesters. He recently resurfaced when he returned to protest on 24 January, carried by another protester.

Others have taken to social media to warn protesters not to attempt to capture tear gas canisters as to not lose their hands.

There are reports of police forces firing tear gas into universities, homes and even hospitals and funerals. 

As protection from tear gas, protesters have been covering their faces with clothing or cloth-based masks. If protesters have been affected by tear gas, they use liquid solutions which consist of a mixture of vinegar, yeast and water. Some have also used Pepsi.

Prior to protesting, you should:

  • Wear protective gear! Properly fitted and sealed gas masks provide the best facial protection. Alternatively, swimming goggles, respirators or even a wet bandana soaked in vinegar over the nose and mouth will help.
  • Minimise skin exposure from tear gas as well as the sun by covering up as much as possible. 
  • Avoid the use of oils, lotions and detergents because they can trap chemicals and therefore, prolong exposure. Wash your clothes, hair and skin beforehand in a detergent-free and unscented soap. 
  • Use a water or alcohol-based sunscreen (rather than oil-based). 

When exposed to tear gas, you should:

  • Stay calm! Panicking increases the irritation. Breathe slowly.
  • Remove yourself from the gas-filled area.
  • Blow your nose, rinse your mouth (with cold water), cough and spit repeatedly. Do not swallow! Do not rub it in!
  • Face the wind. Fresh air will help blow excess tear gas powder off of you and will prevent it from blowing back into your mouth or eyes.
  • Rinse your eyes and other exposed areas with cold water. Rinse your eyes from the inner to the outer corner.
  • Rinse your clothing and body with cold water. Do not use hot water – hot water will open your pores and allow the chemicals to seep further in, resulting in even more skin irritation.
  • Do not take a bath – you will only soak yourself in the chemicals. Chemicals can dry on your skin, then reactivate when you shower. Take a bath only after getting rid of chemicals on your skin.
  • Remove contaminated clothing and put on new clothes. Prior, avoid touching your eyes, face, or other people, furniture, etc to avoid further contamination. After washing your contaminated clothes, rinse your washing machine in highest heat to get rid of residue inside the machine.

A solution of half liquid antacid and half water is recommended for the eyes and mouth.

For the skin, canola oil followed by alcohol is recommended. Vigorously wipe contaminated skin with a cloth, rag or sponge saturated with canola oil. Then immediately rub with alcohol.

Other remedies can include lime fruit juice, vinegar or water-soaked bandanas to help protect you or lessen irritation of tear gas. Carrying an onion on you can also help.

There are many ways to reduce effects of tear gas when exposed. Educate yourself about tear gas before you go out protesting!

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