If you’ve been gassed…

This will not be brutal

but

if you’ve been gassed

you may experience

burning

in your eyes, nose, mouth

and skin.

You may experience

blurring

of your vision.

This will not be brutal

but

If you’ve been gassed

you may experience

breathing

difficulties and

coughing.

You may experience

raging feelings

 from pepper spray exposure.

Intense anger is a common response.

This will not be brutal

but

if you’ve been gassed

you may experience

confusion, disorientation

and panic.

But do not panic.

The effects of tear gas and pepper spray

are temporary,

not life-threatening

unless you’re vulnerable –

a child

or elderly

or immune compromised.

If you’re pregnant

you may be at risk of spontaneous abortion.

If you’re a nursing mother

you may be at risk of passing toxins

onto your infant.

Contact lenses may fuse to eyes

And cause blindness.

This will not be brutal

but

you may wish to avoid being gassed.

But please be aware

Police abuse is unpredictable

and avoidance is not always possible.

If you’re at risk of being gassed

a gas mask might be best

but please be aware

tho’ gas masks work best

they can look intimidating

and make us targets of police violence.

So, think carefully about your

impact on others

when you decide how to protect yourself.

And remember

this will not be brutal.

 N.B A lot of these lines were found at http://facingteargas.org/bp/70/if-youve-been-gassed