End the use of tear gas against civilians. Tear gas under the Geneva Convention is characterized as a chemical warfare agent, and so it is precluded for use in warfare, but it is used very frequently against civilians.

 RCAs (Riot Control Agents) such as tear gas are delivered by either a spray or a grenade canister fired from a baton gun. The canisters themselves can be hazardous as they usually generate a lot of heat and will cause nasty burns if handled. If they are fired at close range, they can cause serious damage to a person’s body and have resulted in death.

In a study posted by the NIH writted by the department of Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery, Srinagar, Kashmir, India. Eighteen patients with vascular injury caused by tear gas shells from Jan. 2008 to Dec 2009 were studied. Patients with vascular injuries caused by causes other than tear gas shells were excluded from the study. Amputation rate was 16.66%. Associated nerve injury occurred in 44.44% of the patients. 

Tear gas shell injuries should not be taken lightly. Vascular injuries cased by tear gas shells require prompt revascularisation to improve limb salvage. Despite proper revascularisation, patients have significant morbidity and need proper rehabilitation in the follow ups.

The use of tear gas on civilians is dangerous to the point of being deadly. It is unnecessary and has consistently been shown to escalate rather than control riot situations. It must be banned immmediately.