At political protests, attendees are advised to bring along a carton of milk in case police decide to use tear gas or pepper spray – the acidity will neutralize these chemicals and help clear their eyes.
Though some protesters have employed this strategy, experts advise against its use.
- Acidity from tomatoes or peppers doesn’t create the same flavorful effect for eye irritation; in fact, it might make matters worse.
- Instead, flush your eyes out with plenty of water instead and avoid touching or rubbing them – touching or rubbing can increase burning and lead to corneal damage;
- also best is getting out into fresh air where there is adequate ventilation rather than staying where chemicals were applied.
If exposed to pepper spray,
- use degreasing, non-oil-based soap such as Dawn to wash the affected areas with. This should help wash away some of the chemicals from your skin;
- washing clothes also has been known to assist.
- Most importantly, however, stay calm and move into an area with fresh, cool air;
- if breathing difficulties develop or pain persists for over an hour seek medical assistance immediately.
Milk doesn’t provide an effective defense against most forms of tear gas because its chemicals differ significantly. Most pepper spray contains capsaicin, the same active ingredient found in chili peppers that acts like an oil in fats and oils; testing milk against this form of tear gas would likely prove futile; for better results use a solution of water and dish soap instead.