Police departments' use of tear gas could exacerbate coronavirus outbreaks, experts say

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• Tear gas is a chemical agent that causes burning in the eyes, noses, throat, lungs, and on skin.
• It makes people cough — which could lead the coronavirus to spread if used on a person who is infected.
• Some studies have also shown that after tear-gas exposure, people are more likely to be diagnosed with respiratory illnesses. 
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Police across the country have deployed tear gas against groups protesting police brutality and the death of George Floyd.

But health experts say that use of the gas can create conditions that could worsen the coronavirus pandemic. Tear gas could raise the risk of new infections in two ways: First, it is an irritant that causes those exposed to cough, so it could lead an infected person to emit more droplets, thereby transmitting the virus to more people.

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