Recent large-scale deployments of chemical irritants have sparked urgent warnings from medical experts regarding tear gas health effects and their potential for lasting physical damage. In early February 2026, an incident in the Eugene-Springfield area demonstrated how these substances can impact entire communities, with hundreds of residents across several city blocks reporting respiratory distress and skin irritation after an irritant cloud drifted far beyond its intended target. These events have reignited a national conversation about the safety and medical consequences of using riot control agents in populated areas.
While often described as “gases,” these substances are actually fine solid particles or liquid droplets dispersed as aerosols. The most common varieties include pepper spray, known as OC, and tear gases such as CS and CN. These chemicals are designed to cause immediate, intense pain and sensory irritation, but health organizations like the American Thoracic Society now warn that the impact can extend well beyond temporary discomfort. Understanding how these chemicals interact with the human body is essential for those who may be exposed, as well as for the healthcare providers treating them.
The Physical Impact of Chemical Irritants
The primary goal of chemical irritants is to incapacitate individuals by targeting the eyes, skin, and respiratory system. When a person encounters these aerosols, the chemicals bind to specific sensory receptors in the body, specifically the TRPA1 and TRPV1 receptors. These are the same receptors responsible for sensing pain and heat, which is why exposure leads to an immediate sensation of burning. The body reacts by attempting to flush the irritant out, resulting in heavy tearing, involuntary closing of the eyes, and a massive production of mucus.
In the eyes, exposure can cause blurred vision, redness, and a feeling of intense stinging. In severe cases or high concentrations, health agencies note that it can lead to corneal burns, scarring, or even long-term conditions like glaucoma and permanent vision loss. On the skin, these agents can cause redness, rashes, and chemical burns. If the irritant remains on the skin for an extended period, especially in moist areas like the armpits or under clothing, the damage can become much more severe, leading to blistering that requires specialized medical treatment.
Respiratory Risks and Lung Health
The American Thoracic Society has issued specific warnings about the respiratory risks associated with tear gas health effects. When inhaled, these fine particles settle deep within the lungs, causing the airways to tighten and swell. This often leads to immediate symptoms such as gasping for air, uncontrollable coughing, and a sensation of choking or chest tightness. For a healthy person, these symptoms might fade after they reach fresh air, but for others, the damage can be more persistent.
Medical research indicates that high concentrations of these chemicals can cause acute lung injury. In extreme scenarios, exposure has been linked to respiratory failure and pulmonary edema, a condition where fluid builds up in the lungs. There are also concerns about the long-term impact on lung function, with some individuals reporting chronic breathing issues that persist long after the initial exposure. These risks are significantly higher when the chemicals are deployed in enclosed spaces where the concentration of the aerosol cannot easily dissipate.
Risks to Vulnerable Populations
The danger of chemical irritants is not uniform across the population, as certain groups are at a much higher risk for life-threatening complications. People with pre-existing respiratory conditions, such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), are particularly vulnerable. For these individuals, exposure can trigger a severe, prolonged attack that may not respond to their usual rescue medications, often necessitating emergency hospitalization.
Children and the elderly also face increased risks. Children have smaller airways and faster breathing rates, meaning they may inhale a larger relative dose of the irritant compared to adults. Additionally, their developing lungs are more susceptible to the toxic effects of the chemicals. The elderly may have underlying heart or lung issues that make it difficult for their bodies to recover from the intense physical stress caused by the irritant’s effects.
Environmental Persistence and Cleanup
One of the most challenging aspects of chemical irritant deployment is how long the substances remain in the environment. Because these are solid particles rather than true gases, they do not simply blow away; they settle onto surfaces such as sidewalks, buildings, and personal property. These particles can remain active for days or even weeks if not properly cleaned. Wind or physical activity can kick the dust back into the air, causing secondary exposure for people who were not present during the initial incident.
Health authorities in Oregon and other regions recommend specific decontamination procedures to mitigate these ongoing risks. If exposed, individuals should remove their clothing immediately and wash their entire body with large amounts of soap and water. Eyes should be flushed with plain water or saline for at least 15 minutes. For indoor spaces where the irritants have settled, professional cleaning is often required, as standard vacuuming can actually spread the particles back into the air, extending the duration of the health hazard.
