CJP Parliament March: Is Tear Gas Harmful? Know the Short-Term and Long-Term Effects on Humans

Delhi Police has fired tear gas on CJP protestors marching towards Parliament. Here are the short-term and long-term impacts of tear gas on humans 

New Delhi: Delhi Police has fired tear gas on CJP protestors marching toward Parliament demanding accountability from the government over failures in the education system and recent paper leaks specially NEET UG 2026.

What is Tear gas?

Tear gas is not a gas; it includes solid or liquid chemicals, usually within a spray or powder. The chemicals react with moisture and cause pain and irritation. The tear gas primarily affects moist areas of the body such as the eyes, mouth, throat, and lungs.

Tear gas includes different chemicals, including Chloroacetophenone (CN), chlorobenzylidenemalononitrile (CS), chloropicrin (PS), bromobenzylcyanide (CA), dibenzoxazepine (CR), and combinations of different chemicals.

It was initially developed as a chemical weapon for military use, which was later banned in warfare. However, it is commonly used by police or military personnel to break up crowds or at protests to stop the movement of people.

How Tear Gas Impacts in the Short Term

The immediate or short-term effects of tear gas consist of:

• watering, burning, and redness of the eyes
• blurred vision
• burning and irritation in the mouth and nose
• difficulty swallowing
• nausea and vomiting
• difficulty breathing
• coughing
• wheezing
• skin irritation
• rashes

Also Read: CJP Parliament March: Samajwadi Party MPs Dimple Yadav, Dharmendra Yadav Detained; Calls Action ‘Undemocratic’

How Tear Gas Impacts in the Long Term

In the long term, the effects of tear gas can be much more dangerous; the long-term impact consists of :

• glaucoma
• blindness
• chemical burns
• respiratory failure
• respiratory problems
• mental health effects
• blindness
• brain injury
• loss of the use of limbs
• limb amputation
• skin conditions

People who are attacked with tear gas need to immediately get medical consultation. However, the effects of gas should not last more than 20 minutes. If no medical support is available, wash the body parts that are not covered.