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For those of you protesting, a thread on tear gas safety from Palestinian refugees:
Keep in mind: tear gas sticks to dry clothes and hair for days after you come in contact with it.
Face and hair: cover your nose, mouth and hair with a thick cloth wet with cold water. Scarves or keffiyehs are best for this. Keep a water bottle or bucket of cold water with you to dunk the scarf if it dries or the water gets warm.
Eyes: wear glasses or goggles (goggles are best!) and keep a cold wet cloth nearby to clean o it your eyes. If it stings, place your eyes on a cold, wet piece of cloth for a few minutes and that should minimize the pain
Wear long sleeves and try to minimize the amount of skin exposes to the air.
When you sit in your car/get back home, try to either place a cloth on your car chair OR change your clothes before coming in contact with the car seats, carpet, curtains in your house, etc. Tear gas sticks for days in confined spaces. Air out your car after you leave.
Place the clothes you were wearing in a bag and hang in an outdoor space or space near a window to air out BEFORE washing it. Washing it before airing it out often leaves a trace of the tear gas on your clothes.
Lastly, always keep cold milk or water near you to soak any cloth or wash your face. Make sure you don’t rub your face or eyes with your hands or sleeves.
Finally, take a cold shower as soon as you can. Take breaks in the protest if needed to shower or dunk your face in water.
One more thing that isn’t entirely relevant but important: fruits with a high amount of water or that are growing in the area will absorb tear gas quickly. Eating them will feel like your insides are on fire - avoid any fresh fruit growing in the area or in a grocery store nearby
Also; DON’T WEAR CONTACT LENSES! When tear gas comes into contact with contact lenses, it could cause substantial damage to your eyes. Wear shatter proof googles, if possible.
