The Effects of Tear Gas and How to Deal with Them, Explanation by a Lecturer at the Faculty of Medicine, UNISA Yogyakarta

The first step is to immediately move away from the source of the gas in the opposite direction of the wind so that exposure does not worsen. If your eyes feel sore or watery, they should be rinsed immediately with running water without rubbing them. Covering your nose and mouth with a wet cloth or mask can help minimize the entry of chemical particles into the respiratory tract. Once conditions allow, the clothing worn should be changed immediately and the skin cleaned with soap so that chemical particles do not remain on the skin for too long. If symptoms worsen, such as shortness of breath that does not improve or vision problems, seek medical attention immediately.

“Personal safety is paramount. When in a crowd, it is important to remain alert to the surrounding situation and understand how to maintain physical health when exposed to tear gas,” emphasized Dr. Yasmine.

Through this explanation, the Faculty of Medicine at UNISA Yogyakarta hopes that the public will become more aware of the health risks of tear gas and be able to take quick action to minimize its impact, especially amid ongoing protests in various regions.