Tear Gas Clean-up - Harrisburg | SERVPRO® of Hershey/Harrisburg East (717)-533-FIRE

10/9/2015 (Permalink)

| SERVPRO® of Hershey/Harrisburg East (717)-533-FIRE

There are three basic types of tear gas: CN (chloroacetophenone or Mace®), CS (O-chlorobenzylidenemalononitrile) and OC/OR (oleoresin capsicum or pepper spray).

In the past CN was the most widely used product, but presently OC/OR has become the most popular, as it is sold in many over the counter personal defense sprays. Although referred to as tear gas, this is not exactly correct as these products are not gases, but in fact are fine particles that are dispersed as an aerosol. Therefore, the particles will eventually “fall out” and form a residue on surfaces that will need to be cleaned.

Typically law enforcement agencies will introduce tear gas into structures through the use of small canisters, also referred to as “grenades”. These can either be thrown or shot with the use of a special gun. They also have a very big canister that is referred to as a “bomb”, which will release much more tear gas than the standard grenade. Cleaning up behind the “bomb’ is much more difficult, due to the increased amount of tear gas that has been released.  

If your home or business is impacted by tear gas - call SERVPRO of Hershey / Swatara.  We serve the Harrisburg, Hershey and the capital region and we are ready to respond 24/7.