Beyond respiratory issues, symptoms may include burning sensations in the eyes, mouth, and nose; blurred vision; difficulty swallowing; chemical-like burns; and allergic reactions, chair of the council, Prof. Tjandra Yoga Aditama said here, Sunday.
Tjandra explained that these effects stem from chemical compounds commonly found in tear gas, such as chloroacetophenone (CN), chlorobenzylidenemalononitrile (CS), chloropicrin (PS), bromobenzylcyanide (CA), and dibenzoxazepine (CR).
He noted that the severity of tear gas exposure depends on several factors, including dosage, individual sensitivity, preexisting health conditions, and whether the exposure occurs indoors or outdoors.
Environmental conditions, such as strong winds, can also influence the intensity of exposure.
“In certain cases, prolonged exposure to high doses—especially in enclosed spaces—may result in long-term chronic effects,” he said.
Tear gas generally affects the skin, eyes, lungs, and respiratory tract.
Acute respiratory symptoms may include chest tightness, coughing, throat irritation, wheezing, and shortness of breath. In severe cases, it can lead to respiratory distress.
Tjandra added that individuals with asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are particularly vulnerable.
“If exposed to tear gas, they may experience acute asthma attacks, which in some cases could lead to respiratory failure,” he warned.
Police have recently deployed tear gas to disperse protesters in Jakarta and other regions, including near the Parliament building on August 25 and 28, and at the Mobile Brigade headquarters in Kwitang on August 29.
The recent protests across Indonesia were primarily fueled by public outrage over a proposed monthly housing allowance of Rp50 million (about US$3,000) for members of parliament, which many considered excessive amid rising living costs and a weak economy.
The situation was exacerbated by several legislators' comments that were perceived as insensitive and out of touch, such as comparing themselves to manual laborers, calling protesters "dumb," and justifying the allowance by citing their own long commutes.
The demonstrations escalated and became more violent after a video went viral showing a police tactical vehicle running over and killing a motorcycle taxi driver during a protest in Jakarta.
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Translator: Primayanti
Editor: Aditya Eko Sigit Wicaksono
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