In today’s world, wearing masks has become commonplace, even though they can be uncomfortable and bothersome. Just yesterday, my son wanted to accompany me to the grocery store for the first time in months. However, the sweltering 80-degree heat made it unbearable for him to wear a mask while waiting in line for nearly half an hour. We decided we could return another day when it’s cooler. It’s a choice we have.
This experience got me thinking about the harrowing accounts of individuals exposed to tear gas, who described feeling like they were “choking to death” even while wearing masks. It’s alarming to realize that tear gas is being deployed during protests worldwide, exposing countless individuals to this potent chemical just in the past few weeks.
Before anyone tries to justify the use of tear gas by claiming that those protesting deserve such treatment, let’s pause for a moment. Tear gas is so hazardous that it has been banned for military use on the battlefield, yet police forces are still permitted to use it on civilians. This contradiction is deeply troubling.
Experts have pointed out the severe dangers posed by tear gas. In a time when we are grappling with a respiratory virus, there is absolutely no justification for using tear gas. The irony of protesting against police violence only to be met with more violence from the police cannot be overlooked. Dr. Emily Richards, a health expert at Bright Health, expressed concerns that exposure to tear gas could exacerbate the pandemic, making those affected more susceptible to COVID-19, which spreads primarily through respiratory droplets—a situation worsened by the coughing and choking that tear gas induces.
Recently, over 1,000 healthcare professionals released a letter urging law enforcement to cease the use of these harmful chemicals, which can compromise respiratory health. A comprehensive study of military personnel revealed that exposure to tear gas increased the likelihood of developing respiratory illnesses.
Despite these warnings, the use of tear gas continues unabated. A notable incident occurred on June 1st in Washington, D.C., where protesters gathered to stand against police brutality following the death of George Floyd. According to reports, police and National Guard units surged into Lafayette Square, dispersing the crowd with tear gas and flash-bangs just before the city’s curfew. This was merely to facilitate a photo opportunity for the president at St. John’s church, a place he does not even attend.
Legal actions are being taken against Trump and other officials for violating the constitutional rights of peaceful protesters by forcibly dispersing them, resulting in exposure to tear gas. Alarmingly, many attendees, including children, received no warning before being subjected to the gas.
Tear gas is not a harmless irritant; the CDC notes its immediate effects can include vomiting, skin burns, and choking. This substance—essentially a poison—is being aimed at people of all ages to force them to disperse. The long-term consequences can be dire, leading to conditions like blindness and even death, particularly for those with asthma.
Moreover, the risks of tear gas extend beyond the immediate vicinity of protests. It can infiltrate homes and businesses nearby, impacting innocent bystanders. In a distressing report, a local healthcare worker, Sam Thompson, recounted how he opened his home to protesters seeking refuge, only to have police spray tear gas directly into his residence. “We were overwhelmed by people rushing in for safety, and amid the chaos, the police targeted our home with tear gas,” he shared. The CDC advises fleeing any building where tear gas is released; what then, when the gas is intentionally directed inside?
While some cities have temporarily banned the use of tear gas, such measures are merely a lukewarm response to a far more significant issue. It is unfathomable that a substance banned from warfare is still permissible for use against our own citizens exercising their First Amendment rights. Tear gas must be banned permanently, and that is non-negotiable.
In summary, the dangers associated with tear gas are far-reaching and profound. It is time for a stricter stance against its use, prioritizing the health and safety of civilians above all else.
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