Expired tear gas turns toxic and cause permanent blindness or fatal exacerbation
Imphal, June 1: State police forces are using expired tear gas shell to disperse the JCILPS supporters at various places in Imphal area. Most of the tear gas shells fired or lobbed to the agitators at various places were all found to be expired. According to expert, use of expired tear gas canisters is inhumane and crime against humanity. The manufacture label of canister recovered from a protest site showed that it has been expired in March 2007.
As according to expert, tear gas turn toxic on expiry which had dangerous health effects. The tear gas can cause permanent blindness, chemical burns, miscarriages, fatal exacerbation of Asthmatics, seizures and even death if canister hit the person directly.
Outdated pyrotechnic items which include tear gas, are considered hazardous waste as per “The Resource Conservation and Recovery Act” of 1976 and disposal of this items must be done in accordance with “Environmental Protection Agency” waste management regulations.
All commercial munitions which include tear gas, after expiry date are no longer guaranteed to function as designated. Using outdated munitions are prohibited under law and open a liability on the operator.
