Tear gas is a commonly used substance to manage crowds or subdue individuals, but its effects don’t disappear once the visible cloud fades. The chemicals left behind can stick to surfaces and continuously cause harm to individuals after the initial use.

Cleaning tear gas up isn’t as simple as scrubbing surfaces or ventilating a room. Learn why tear gas cleanup should be left to professionals to prevent health risks and further contamination.

Harmful Chemical Residues

The chemicals in tear gas incapacitate people quickly, and, unfortunately, their effects don’t stop there. The residue from tear gas can latch onto walls, furniture, and carpets. It can also stay suspended in the air for months, depending on the environment.

Exposure to tear gas residue can lead to health risks.

• Prolonged exposure can cause severe respiratory issues, including difficulty breathing and lung irritation.
• The chemicals may lead to skin irritation, rashes, or chemical burns upon contact.
• The residue can harm the eyes, nose, and throat, causing pain, redness, and swelling.
• In rare cases, tear gas residue can result in long-term damage to the heart or liver.
• Repeated exposure to tear gas could cause neurological effects, such as motor control loss.

Professional cleanup crews know how to tackle these lingering toxins. They use advanced tools and proven techniques to completely remove any harmful residues, making your space safe again. If left untreated, these chemicals can persist for weeks or even months, continuing to pose health dangers.

Tear Gas Is Difficult To Clean

Tear gas cleanup is a complicated task due to the long-lasting effects it has on properties. The chemicals can embed themselves in porous surfaces, such as drywall and flooring, and canisters can cause physical damage, including broken windows or doors. The residue left behind can solidify upon contact with water or moisture, making it even harder and more hazardous to remove.

Tear gas incidents usually involve deploying multiple canisters, which significantly increases the difficulty of cleanup. With the potential for lingering toxins and difficult stains, inexperienced attempts at cleaning often fall short. 

Thorough Tests and Removal

The toughest part about tear gas cleanup is that the residue isn’t always visible on surfaces. It can seep into fabrics, carpets, HVAC filters, and walls, creating hidden pockets of contamination that are tough to detect.

Professional tear gas cleanup services address every contaminated material to ensure no hazardous residue is left behind. With experienced tear gas cleanup professionals on the job, you can count on their knowledge and expertise.

Here is the tear gas cleanup process at Bio Recovery:

• We conduct tests to identify all areas affected by tear gas residue.
• Our technicians repeat these tests throughout the cleanup to ensure no hazardous contaminants remain.
• Once the testing phase concludes, we treat the property with hospital-grade disinfectants that are nonallergenic and free from harmful fragrances.
• The professionals remove any tear gas residue using high-efficiency vacuums, specialized towels, and, in severe cases, damaged materials.
• We continuously inform our clients about the cleanup process to avoid any surprises.
• Professionals dispose of the waste in compliance with OSHA regulations.
• Finally, the team conducts a thorough inspection and treatment to guarantee a safe, fully restored environment.

Personal Protective Equipment

Tear gas cleanup should be left to professionals because they have proper safety gear. Without chemical-resistant suits, respirators, and other specialized protective equipment, you’re putting yourself at serious risk of health issues like skin burns and respiratory problems.

Professional teams wear advanced personal protective equipment (PPE) to shield themselves from toxic chemicals. This allows them to focus solely on the cleanup. Trying to clean up tear gas without PPE can leave residue behind, cause cross-contamination, and expose people to serious health risks.

Reduce the Risk of Cross-Contamination

When people inexperienced in tear gas cleanup attempt this task on their own, they often end up spreading it instead of getting rid of it. Using the wrong cleaning methods can cause harmful chemicals to spread to other areas of your space, making the issue even worse.

Cleanup teams prevent cross-contamination by sealing off affected areas with barriers and using air systems to control particle movement. They rely on high-tech vacuums and specialized cleaning supplies to safely capture and remove harmful residue. Separate tools are necessary for each cleaning area to avoid spreading hazardous chemicals. Professionals securely bag and dispose of the contaminated items according to strict safety protocols. Crews also test the cleaning area multiple times to ensure no hazards are left behind.

Faster and Better Results

Time is an important factor when cleaning up tear gas. If left unaddressed, residue can cause ongoing health risks and deeper damage to the property. Professional teams have the proper training to act quickly and get the job done right the first time. They comply with OSHA regulations to protect their team, the property owner, and the surrounding community.

With the right tools and expertise, pros can handle the cleanup much faster than any DIY attempt could. This not only reduces downtime but also lets people access the area safely used again as soon as possible.

Specialized Equipment

Cleanup crews rely on highly specialized equipment to handle tear gas contamination. They utilize industrial-grade air scrubbers to remove harmful particles from the air and prevent their spread. For surfaces, advanced vacuums with HEPA filters and chemical neutralizers ensure thorough decontamination. These tools, combined with professional training, make sure the job is safe, efficient, and comprehensive.

Safety and Peace of Mind

Finding tear gas residue in your home or workplace can be overwhelming. Cleaning it up yourself might seem like the easiest option, but it comes with significant risks. Bringing in professionals removes that stress because you can trust that the professionals handle the cleanup safely and thoroughly.

By hiring experts, you’re prioritizing your health and safety. You’ll also have the assurance that no toxic residues remain, allowing you to move forward with one less thing to worry about.

Tear gas cleanup is a complex process that requires professional expertise. Cleanup crews have the skills, tools, and protective gear needed to eliminate harmful residues. When it comes to your health and peace of mind, leaving it to the pros is the right choice.