The Dangers of Tear Gas, A Call to End Its Use in Sri Lanka and Beyond
Tear gas is a chemical weapon that has been used in conflicts for decades. It is commonly used by police and military forces to disperse crowds, control riots, and incapacitate suspects. However, tear gas is not a harmless tool – it can cause serious health effects and even death.
The chemical composition of tear gas varies depending on the manufacturer, but most types contain one or more of the following compounds: chloroacetophenone (CN), chlorobenzylidene malononitrile (CS), and dibenzoxazepine (CR). These compounds work by irritating the mucous membranes of the eyes, nose, mouth, and lungs, causing tears, coughing, and difficulty breathing.
The health effects of tear gas can be severe, especially for vulnerable populations like children, the elderly, and people with underlying health conditions. Prolonged exposure to tear gas can cause respiratory problems, chemical burns, and permanent vision damage. In some cases, tear gas has led to death, as we have tragically seen in Sri Lanka in recent incidents.
Yesterday (8th March) , an innocent person lost his life due to the use of tear gas by police in Sri Lanka. This is not an isolated incident – several deaths have occurred in recent times, making it clear that tear gas is being used in an unnecessary and dangerous manner.
It's time to take action to stop the use of tear gas in Sri Lanka. We call on the government to immediately ban the use of tear gas and instead find peaceful and non-violent ways to manage crowds and protests
We cannot remain silent while tear gas continues to be used as a tool of oppression and violence. We urge the Sri Lankan government to take immediate action to cease the use of tear gas on its citizens and to hold accountable those who have perpetuated its misuse. We also call upon the international community to take notice of the situation in Sri Lanka and demand that tear gas use be limited to only the most extreme circumstances, with strict adherence to proper usage guidelines. Join us in standing against the use of tear gas and let's create a safer and more just world for all.
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