publications.ersnet.org
The long term influence of tear gases on human's respiratory system
Aim: Although deaths due to the tear gases have been reported there are a few studies about their long term influence on the respiratory system.Materials and methods: Respiratory complaints and functions of 93 males (mean age; 38.8 ± 9.3, total gas exposure; 8.5 ± 6.4, gas exposure during last two years; 5.6 ± 5.8) who exposed to tear gases frequently were compared those of 55 controls (yas; 36.3 ± 8.6). Reported rates for resting dyspnea during last year (44.1% vs 28.3%, p= 0.043), chest tightness (37.6%; 15.1%, p= 0.003) and exercise dyspnea (43.0%; 22.6%, p=0.010) were higher among subjects exposed tear gases. Higher rates of morning cough during winter (32.3%; 13.2%, p=0.008), morning phlegm (28.0%; 11.3%, p= 0.014), daytime cough (38.7%; 22.6%, p=0.034), daytime phlegm (41.9%; 20.8%, p= 0.007) and phlegm/3 months (25.8%; 11.3%, p=0.028) were observed in subjects exposed tear gases. Exposure to tear gases increased risk of chest tightness (OR= 2.49, 95% CI; 1.25-4.97), exercise dyspnea (OR=1.90; 1.09-3.29), morning cough during winter (OR=2.44; 1.15-5.17), phlegm (OR=2.47; 1.08-5.61). The mean maximal mid expiratory flow rate in subjects exposed to gases (4084.6 ± 1235.1 ml) was significantly lower than that of controls (4565.9 ± 1096.4 ml, p=0.019). There was a negative correlation between MMFR and total gas exposure (r=-0.238, p=0.049).Conclusion: Increase in chronic respiratory complaints and limitation of the flow rate in small, middle sized airways were observed among the subjects exposed to tear gases. The usage of hazardous agents to the respiratory health should be forbidden.
