Accidental tear gas injuries in security agents.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Tear gas is a noxious vapour used in quelling civil disturbances. The law enforcement agents who usually handle this are well trained and rarely injured by the use of this weapon especially during peace times.

METHODS:

We report injuries sustained by two policemen handling tear gas as a result of accidents. Case notes of the patients were the source of information.

RESULTS:

Two policemen were injured while handling tear gas. The equipment accidentally dropped and exploded on attempting to pick them. The mechanisms of injuries and parts of the body injured were similar ie the hands and face with traumatic cataract of an eye in one patient.

CONCLUSION:

We conclude that proper training of the law enforcement agents will go a long way in reducing these types of morbidity from tear gas use.

• Authors: P B Olaitan, J N Ubah
• Journal: Nigerian journal of medicine : journal of the National Association of Resident Doctors of Nigeria (Niger J Med) 2011 Apr-Jun Vol. 20 Issue 2 Pg. 275-8 ISSN: 1115-2613 [Print] Nigeria
• PMID: 21970243 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Tear Gases

Topics

• Accidents, Occupational
• Adult
• Debridement
• Eye Injuries (etiology, surgery)
• Hand Injuries (etiology, surgery)
• Humans
• Lacerations (etiology, surgery)
• Male
• Police
• Tear Gases (adverse effects)
• Treatment Outcome