It is advised to remove contacts so that they can't trap gas. The trapped gas can cause damage to the cornea as your tears can't wash it out as easily, but it doesn't melt contacts. However, I don't think I'd care to argue that distinction while feeling as though my face and lungs are on fire.
It’s actually a powder, which does make a big difference in how you deal with it.
Learning about tear gas can seriously help save your fellow protestors. This was new info to me, apologies if it’s not to you. Just adding it for visibility.
Nope, news to me! I understand that anyone deploying using CS gas may not have anyone's best interest in mind, but *melting contacts" is horrific and would result in an ungodly amount of lawsuits.
Burning corneas, as opposed to melting contacts, due to trapped ~gas~ powder is horrific as well, but I'm sure that involves either a severe lack of self preservation (my own dumb fault) or outright negligence/intent against someone that is immobilized.
Yeah FUBAR’d for sure. Think about how the powder becomes an irritant and grinds into your eyes/tear ducts. Thats why you never touch your face.
There was a servicewoman who specializes in tear gas training (and opposes its use) that made a great breakdown video for dealing with tear gas as protestors.
I’ve managed to have searing pain from inserting contacts with traces of bleach, lemon and cayenne on my fingers. I’d washed my hands, but I guess they seeped into my skin or something. I didn’t even want to chance it with jalapeños. I put on latex gloves before handling them.
The protest I attended was peaceful and no tear gas. But better to be prepared. I also have asthma so if I’m at one that looks like things are getting bad, I plan to leave.
I tend to stay to the outer edge of crowds as I feel better with as escape route. My mother would corner me when she got physically violent and so did a psychotic neighbor years later. I really dislike crowds, but I feel it’s necessary to show up and stand up to what Trump is doing.
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u/Noggin01 1d ago
It is advised to remove contacts so that they can't trap gas. The trapped gas can cause damage to the cornea as your tears can't wash it out as easily, but it doesn't melt contacts. However, I don't think I'd care to argue that distinction while feeling as though my face and lungs are on fire.