The use of tear gas with proper skill can defeat a fairly serious opponent. Many modern ladies, fearing for their immunity, prefer to carry such a device in their purse. What should you know about these cans?
What is this?
Tear gas (irritant), despite its apparent harmlessness, refers to a real chemical weapon. Under this name, a variety of substances are combined that irritate the mucous membranes of the victims and make it difficult to breathe due to penetration into the lungs. Their action appears almost immediately - within a few seconds, and continues for 10-15 minutes after contact. Prolonged exposure may cause lung damage and even death.
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 riots by law enforcement agencies, this is one of the least traumatic ways to influence people along with water cannons. In addition, self-defense spray cans are extremely popular aspersonal protective equipment for women. They contain tear gas or any other irritating substance in the form of an aerosol, which can be quickly applied against one or several ill-wishers at once. The power structures, for the same purposes, use more powerful means: special grenades, checkers and cartridges.
Modern Views
The most popular now are chlorobenzalmalondinitrile, or CS ("Lilac"), as well as chloroacetophenone. The latter, which is also widely known as Bird Cherry, is a gas synthesized back in the 19th century, it has a relatively high toxicity and is gradually being replaced by safer analogues.
Among the more advanced species are dibenzoxazepin or algogen, as well as capsicum oleoresin - an extract from hot pepper. However, at high concentrations, any of these substances can cause death.
In Russia, 5 types of irritants are currently allowed for use, which can be used both individually and in a mixture (two of any). These are the mentioned oleoresin capsicum (OS), dibenzoxazepin (CR), "Lilac" (CS), "Bird cherry", as well as pelargonic acid morpholide (IPC). Interesting fact: the last substance is a pheromone for one of the mosquito species.
Application
For civilian use, tear gas is available in special aerosol cans. This tool is very popular among women as a means of self-defense, since it does not requirespecial skills and physical strength, while possessing sufficient effectiveness for opponents of any physique and training level.
Another important plus is that they are completely legal - there is no need to obtain special permissions to use them. 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 acts, few people want to commit manslaughter, for which you can get a very real prison term. They are also cheap and compact enough that any woman can carry them in her purse.
However, there are some disadvantages of this method: in particular, it does not have selectivity, hitting everyone who is in the danger zone. With insufficient experience, the 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 not fundamental. But this is worth talking about a little more.
Consequences
The mechanism of action of lachrymators is based on irritation of the sensitive endings of the trigeminal and facial nerve after contact with the mucous membrane. This causes acute pain, profuse lacrimation, the appearance of discharge from the nose, blepharospasm (involuntary squinting). In short, the body protects the eyes from further exposure. Other effects include coughing, sneezing, itchy skin, difficulty breathing, and sometimes nausea. In severe casesit also causes lung dysfunction and swelling.
Cost of cans
Tear gas, as it has already become clear, this is not a toy. But in some situations, this tool is absolutely necessary. And if it is still sometimes possible to negotiate 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 the volume and filling). And this is not such a high price for having a real opportunity to stand up for yourself in case of emergency.
Important Tips
Gas sprays for self-defense sometimes give a woman a false sense of security just by their presence. However, you need to know how and when to use them.
Firstly, in a dangerous situation, weapons must be at the ready, otherwise they are of no use. Turning into a dark alley, entering the courtyard, in general, getting into an environment in which something bad can happen, you need to hold the can in your hands, because the ill-wisher is unlikely to patiently wait for the potential victim to take it out of their purse.
Secondly, it is worth considering the direction of the wind. It may seem like a small thing, but when the wind blows in the face of someone who is in the mood to use tear gas or any other caustic substance from a spray can, it is still worth refraining from it. Gas, pepper and any other sprayed contents will immediately fly into the defender to his delightdetractor.
Finally, you need to keep track of the expiration date and leftovers. It is hardly possible to imagine something more tragic than the inability to defend yourself just 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 action of lachrymators is primarily based on the need for a person to breathe, it is almost impossible to defend against them in any other way. The only effective way to stop exposure is to leave the affected area. After that, special treatment is usually not required, unpleasant symptoms quickly disappear by themselves. If necessary, you can also rinse your eyes and exposed skin with plenty of clean water, sometimes baby shampoo also helps. Rest and warm drinks are also recommended to restore breathing. Typically, recovery takes from a few minutes to a couple of days. But if the unpleasant consequences still persist, you should consult a doctor.
