The use of tear gas with the proper skill can defeat a fairly serious opponent. Many modern ladies, fearing for their integrity, prefer to wear such a device in their purses. What you should know about these cans?
What is it?
Tear gas (irritant), despite its seeming harmlessness, is a real chemical weapon. Under this name, a variety of substances are combined that irritate the mucous membranes of the victims and make breathing difficult due to penetration into the lungs. Their action appears almost immediately - within a few seconds, and lasts for 10-15 minutes after contact. With prolonged exposure, lung damage and even death are possible.
The use of this type of weapon began during the First World War, but it is popular, and is widely used today. In particular, during the suppression of unrest by law enforcement agencies, this is one of the least traumatic methods of influencing people along with water cannons. In addition, self-defense cans are extremely popular as personal protective equipment for women. In them, tear gas or any other irritating substance is contained in the form of an aerosol, which can be quickly applied against one or several detractors at once. For the same purposes, power structures use more powerful means: special grenades, checkers and cartridges.
Modern views
The most popular are now chlorobenzalmalondinitrile, or CS ("Lilac"), as well as chloroacetophenone. The latter, which is also widely known under the name "Bird cherry", is a gas synthesized in the 19th century, it has a relatively high toxicity and is gradually being replaced by safer analogues.
Among the more advanced species can be called dibenzoxazepine or algogen, as well as capsicum oleoresin - extract from hot pepper. However, at high concentrations, any of these substances can lead to death.
In Russia, at present, 5 types of irritants are allowed for use, which can be used either individually or in a mixture (two of any). These are the mentioned oleoresin capsicum (OS), dibenzoxazepine (CR), Lilac (CS), Bird cherry, as well as pelargonic acid morpholide (IPC). An interesting fact: the last substance is pheromone for one of the mosquito species.
Application
For civilian purposes, tear gas is available in special aerosol cans. This tool is very popular among women as a means of self-defense, because it does not require special skills and physical strength, while it is sufficiently effective for opponents of any physique and degree of preparation.
Another important advantage is that they are completely legal - for their use there is no need for special permits. In addition, their use can hardly be regarded as exceeding the permissible limits of self-defense, which is quite important, because, defending themselves from unlawful actions, few people want to commit an unintentional murder, for which you can get a very real prison term. Also, the cans are quite cheap and compact, so that any woman can carry them in her purse.
However, there are some drawbacks to this method: in particular, it does not have selectivity, affecting everyone in the danger zone. With insufficient experience, one who uses tear gas can also suffer.
The action of the stimulus, depending on the specific substance, may have some differences, which, however, are unprincipled. But this is worth a little more discussion.
Effects
The mechanism of action of lacrimators is based on irritation of the sensitive endings of the trigeminal and facial nerve after contact with the mucosa. This causes acute pain, profuse lacrimation, the appearance of discharge from the nose, blepharospasm (involuntary squinting). In a word, the body protects the eyes from further exposure. Other effects include coughing, sneezing, skin itching, shortness of breath, and sometimes nausea. In severe cases, this also leads to disruption of the lungs and their edema.
The cost of spray cans
Tear gas, as has already become clear, is not a toy. But in some situations, this tool is absolutely necessary. And if it’s still sometimes possible to agree with people, then, for example, a pack of stray dogs is unlikely to appreciate the diplomatic talents of passers-by.
Gas cartridges for self-defense cost only 300-500 rubles (depending on volume and content). And this is not such a high price for having a real opportunity to stand up for yourself if something happens.
Important Tips
Self-defense gas canisters sometimes give a woman a false sense of security only by her presence. However, you need to know how and when to apply them.
Firstly, in a dangerous situation, the weapon must be ready, otherwise there is no use for it. Turning into a dark alley, going into the courtyard, generally getting into an environment in which something bad can happen, you need to hold the spray can in your hands, because the ill-wisher is unlikely to patiently wait for the potential victim to get him out of her purse.
Secondly, it is worth considering the direction of the wind. This may seem like a real trifle, but when the wind blows in the face to someone who is set to use tear gas or any other caustic substance from a spray can still refrain from it. Gas, pepper and any other sprayed contents will immediately fly into a detractor defending himself for joy.
Finally, it is necessary to monitor the expiration date and residues. One can hardly imagine something more tragic than the inability to defend oneself precisely when it is very necessary. When it comes to security, do not neglect routine checks.
How to protect yourself?
At low concentrations used outside of hostilities, a gas mask is quite effective. Since the effect of lacrimators is primarily based on a person’s need for breathing, it is almost impossible to protect themselves from them in any other way. The only effective way to stop exposure is to leave the affected area. After this, special treatment is usually not required, unpleasant symptoms quickly disappear by themselves. If necessary, you can also rinse your eyes and open skin with plenty of clean water, sometimes baby shampoo also helps. To restore breathing, rest and warm drinking are also recommended. It usually takes from a few minutes to a couple of days to recover. But if the unpleasant consequences still do not go away, it is worth consulting a doctor.