A Review of the Use of Tear Gas on the Health of Exposed People

2-chlorobenzylidene malononitrile (tear gas) is one of the most widely used equipment for crowd control. The aim of the current study was to conduct a systematic review of the potential health effects of tear gas exposure. Thirty-five studies (25 case reports, seven descriptive studies, and three analytical studies) were presented in this review article. In twenty-five reported cases, 90 cases of exposure to tear gas and their clinical effects are presented. Their average age was 25.7 years and 62% were male. Among the clinical effects, 61% of skin issues, 40% of respiratory issues, and 57% of eye issues can be mentioned. Also, the long-term health effects of these people were related to indoor exposure. Descriptive and analytical studies have shown injury rates between 30 and 60 percent. Apart from transient clinical effects, tear gas can permanently and seriously affect human health. Predisposing factors for more severe injury included environmental conditions, prolonged exposure time, and higher amounts of the chemical agent in confined spaces. According to the results, there are dangerous symptoms and consequences for the health of people such as police officers due to the long-term use of tear gas, which can lead to many incurable and fatal diseases in the future.