In the course of their duties, law enforcement officers are sometimes forced to use tear gas and other non-lethal chemicals to subdue individuals in volatile situations. But keep in mind that “non-lethal” doesn’t mean “harmless”. Tear gas pellets and canisters don’t just make you cry; they can cause violent physical reactions. Designed to irritate the mucous membranes of the eyes, nose, mouth and lungs, physical tear gas effects include difficulty breathing, chest pain, excessive salivation and watery eyes, and in some cases, those who are exposed for longer periods of time experience vomiting and diarrhea.
Tear Gas Residue
Tear gas also leaves behind residue that can present serious health hazards if not properly treated, particularly within the confined spaces of a home or business. Removing gas isn’t an easy task and should be left to professionals. It’s crucial to call in experts that know how to neutralize tear gas effects to thoroughly remediate all traces of it.
High Absorption
Tear gas residue can seep into porous materials like furniture, mattresses, clothing, carpet and even hardwood floors, and continue to irritate the mucous membranes of anyone residing in or visiting the property long after the incident. It’s imperative that all tear gas residue is neutralized and the home or property is restored to a safe and healthy condition.
How do you clean up tear gas?
If you have been subjected to tear gas, you need to remove the gas from your hands and body to stop the physical irritation. If your home or business has been exposed, you should contact a professional to help you remove, remediate, and cleanup the tear gas. Why?
Tear gas cleanup requires the knowledge and equipment of trained professionals. A professional cleanup company has access to personal protective equipment (gloves, goggles, gas masks, etc.), specialized cleaning agents, and the ability to test whether or not a scene has been completely remediated.
The harmful effects of tear gas residue can persist for months if not properly cleaned. No matter how clean you think a site is, tear gas can penetrate every corner, nook, and cranny, and can even be propelled through the HVAC system. Cleaning the tear gas residue that you can see is only half the battle.
ServiceMaster BioClean uses strict control procedures and state-of-the-art technology to carefully and thoroughly wash areas affected with tear gas. A nationwide industry leader in biohazard, crime scene, trauma, and tear gas cleanup, ServiceMaster BioClean is dedicated to maintaining the highest industry standards while providing professional and compassionate services to those we serve. Call or contact us day or night for more information.
Contact ServiceMaster BioClean for professional and certified crime scene cleanup. A nationwide leader, ServiceMaster BioClean is available 24/7/365.