British Columbia's Trauma & Crime Scene Cleanup Specialists Since 1998

For immediate assistance

TEAR GAS CLEANUP SERVICE

what is tear gas and how it impacts those exposed to it

Tear gas is a chemical compound commonly used by law enforcement. The most common types include CS gas, CN gas, and OC gas. When deployed, it creates a temporary burning sensation in the eyes, throat, and skin, which leads to intense tearing, difficulty breathing, coughing, and disorientation. Prolonged exposure or high concentrations can cause more severe respiratory problems, nausea, vomiting, and even chemical burns.

Apart from the immediate health effects, tear gas can also have an impact on properties. The gas’s fine particles can settle on indoor and outdoor surfaces, including walls, furniture, carpets, and vegetation. Over time, tear gas residue can deteriorate building materials, causing discoloration, staining, and damage. If not adequately remediated, these residues can continue to release toxic fumes, posing long-term health risks to occupants.

Given these potential health and property impacts, it is crucial to seek professional tear gas remediation services, like those provided by 1st Trauma Scene Clean Up, to ensure proper decontamination, removal, and restoration of affected areas.

What is tear gas

Tear gas is a chemical compound commonly used by law enforcement. The most common types include CS gas, CN gas, and OC gas. When deployed, it creates a temporary burning sensation in the eyes, throat, and skin, which leads to intense tearing, difficulty breathing, coughing, and disorientation. Prolonged exposure or high concentrations can cause more severe respiratory problems, nausea, vomiting, and even chemical burns. 

Apart from the immediate health effects, tear gas can also have an impact on properties. The gas’s fine particles can settle on indoor and outdoor surfaces, including walls, furniture, carpets, and vegetation. Over time, tear gas residue can deteriorate building materials, causing discoloration, staining, and damage. If not adequately remediated, these residues can continue to release toxic fumes, posing long-term health risks to occupants.

Given these potential health and property impacts, it is crucial to seek professional tear gas remediation services, like those provided by 1st Trauma Scene Clean Up, to ensure proper decontamination, removal, and restoration of affected areas.

How to remove tear gas

To remove tear gas from the skin and eyes, flush with plenty of cool water and avoid rubbing the affected areas. Use soap to cleanse the skin gently, and rinse the eyes with saline solution or water for at least 15 minutes. Removing contaminated clothing and showering thoroughly can also help alleviate symptoms.

Four steps in tear gas remediation

Step 1:

Complimentary assessment of the affected space.

Step 2:

Provide a written quote detailing the scope of work, including cost and timeline to complete cleanup.

Step 3:

Perform remediation service as outlined in quote.

Step 4:

Post-cleaning evaluation to ensure all traces of residue have been removed and the property is safe for re-occupancy. 

You can learn from commonly asked questions

We’re well aware that we can’t answer every question that might be asked. If these don’t help, call us at 604.598.8887, or email us at: info@tscu.ca

What are tear gas remediation services?

Tear gas remediation services specialize in cleaning and restoring areas that have been exposed to tear gas, commonly used in crowd control. These services typically involve thorough cleaning of surfaces, air purification, and removal of contaminants to eliminate lingering odors and residues. Professional remediation ensures the safety and comfort of occupants returning to the space.

How much do tear gas remediation services cost?

The cost of tear gas remediation services can vary widely, typically ranging from $2,000+, final price will be dependent on factors like the location’s size, extent of contamination, and specific cleanup requirements. Additional expenses may arise from necessary safety equipment, disposal of hazardous materials, and the complexity of the remediation process.

How long does tear gas remediation typically take?

Tear gas remediation typically takes several hours to a few days, depending on the severity of contamination and the size of the affected area. Factors such as weather conditions, ventilation capabilities, and the effectiveness of cleaning methods also influence the timeline. Thorough air quality testing ensures safety before reoccupying the space.

Can homeowners hire tear gas remediation services for residential properties?

Yes, homeowners can hire tear gas remediation services for residential properties affected by tear gas exposure. Professional remediation teams specialize in safely cleaning and decontaminating areas impacted by tear gas. It’s essential to address such contamination promptly to ensure the safety and health of residents and to restore the property effectively.

What types of locations require tear gas remediation services?

Tear gas remediation services are often required in various locations, including public spaces like parks and streets, residential areas, and business establishments. Additionally, sites of protests or riots, law enforcement facilities, and even indoor venues like schools or auditoriums may need remediation to ensure safety and restore the environment to a clean state.

What steps are involved in the tear gas remediation process?

The tear gas remediation process involves several key steps: first, evacuating the area to ensure safety. Next, thorough ventilation is conducted to dissipate fumes. Surfaces are then cleaned with specialized detergents to remove residues, followed by air quality testing to confirm safe levels

Why is tear gas remediation necessary after an incident?

Tear gas remediation is necessary to remove harmful chemical residues that can irritate the skin, eyes, and respiratory system. Prolonged exposure can lead to health issues for occupants and bystanders. Effective remediation ensures the thorough cleaning of affected areas, restoring safety and comfort while preventing potential long-term health risks associated with tear gas exposure.

How is tear gas harmful to health and the environment?

Tear gas contains chemicals that can irritate the eyes, skin, and respiratory system, leading to short-term symptoms like coughing, choking, and inflammation. Prolonged exposure may result in serious health issues, including respiratory problems. Environmentally, tear gas can contaminate soil and water sources, disrupting local ecosystems and posing risks to wildlife and human health.

We are Your Reliable Partner In Challenging Times

OC Gas (Pepper Spray)

Pepper spray cleanup

OC gas is an aerosol that contains capsaicin, an irritant derived from hot pepper plants. It is used to immobilize or incapacitate a person or animal, especially one that is an attacker.

Pepper spray is a similar product that contains capsaicin as the active ingredient and is used as a less lethal weapon in policing, riot control, crowd control, and self-defense. It causes temporary blindness, burning and pain sensations, and shortness of breath.

Source: Wikipedia

25 year anniversary Logo 1st Trauma Scene Clean Up

What is CN Gas?

CN Gas used to control riots

Phenacyl chloride is a substituted acetophenone that is used as a building block in organic chemistry. It has also been historically used as a riot control agent, where it is designated CN. Phenacyl chloride is thermally stable and is the only tear agent that is distillable at ambient conditions. It is important to note that phenacyl chloride should not be confused with cyanide, another agent used in chemical warfare, which has the chemical structure CN.

Source: Wikipedia

25 year anniversary Logo 1st Trauma Scene Clean Up

What is CS gas?

Tear Gas Remediation

CS gas is a type of tear gas that is used as a riot control agent. It is an aerosol of a volatile solvent and chlorobenzalmalononitrile, which is a solid compound at room temperature. Exposure to CS gas causes a burning sensation and tearing of the eyes, resulting in profuse coughing, nasal mucus discharge, disorientation, and difficulty breathing, partially incapacitating the subject.

CS gas is generally accepted as being non-lethal.

Source: Wikipedia

25 year anniversary Logo 1st Trauma Scene Clean Up