Tear Gas Removal Guide

Tear Gas Removal

Tear gas is usually used by police and discharged into a home or business.  There are 15 different classes (types) of tear gas, but only three are regularly used; “CS”,”CN”, and “OC”.  It is starting to become more common that “CS” and “OC” are used together.  CS” is considered a “super” tear gas and is used more often than “CN” tear gas. “CN” tear gas is more toxic and extra precaution needs to be taken. “OC” is also known as Mace or Pepper Spray.  It is important to know which gas you are dealing with. This information can usually be obtained from the police department. Always wear a full face respirator and protective gear as well as skin creams to protect yourself.

Basic Method: “CS” Tear Gas

1. Ventilate area completely, keeping the area as cool as possible as heat will spread the gas.
2. Vacuum crystalline residue.
3. Clean everything with Unsmoke Degrease-All diluted at 2-4 oz per gallon of water.
4. Clean and seal the HVAC system.

Basic Method: “CN” Tear Gas

1. Ventilate area completely.
2. Heat the home or building to 95-105ºF for 4 hours. You can install a HEPA air scrubber with carbon/charcoal filters for extra odor adsorption.
3. Ventilate area again.
4. Clean everything (including HVAC system) with Unsmoke Degrease-All diluted at 2-4 oz per gallon of water

Basic Method: “OC” Tear Gas and “CS”/”OC” Mix Tear Gas (*)

1. Ventilate area completely, keeping the area as cool as possible as heat will spread the gas Doors and windows should be opened to create cross ventilation. Wherever possible, active ventilation should be employed to exhaust the air from the building to the outdoors.  Active ventilation is usually best accomplished by arranging an exhaust fan to provide a constant flow of air in a single direction through the building to the outdoors.  The exhaust fan should remain in operation until the total decontamination process is complete.
2. Removal.  All soft goods that are not cost effective to clean should be removed.
   1. Vacuum crystalline residue.
   2. Wash all soft goods as normal (Carpet, clothes, etc).  Carpets should be cleaned with a high ph cleaner,  if possible a laundry booster should used on all launderable clothing.  As “OC” is made from peppers it has a high oil content and items might need to be washed more than once.  If at all possible do not use hot water (tepid recommended) as this can cause the residue to become airborne.
   3. Wash all hard services with a mild detergent such as Unitex Daily Clean Neutral Cleaner.
   4. Wash all services again with either Un-Smoke Degrease-All or Sentinel Formula 535 Riot Control Agent Neutralizer.
   5. Clean and seal the HVAC system
   6. Re-clean the upholstery and carpet per normal cleaning procedures

 *Cleaning instructions per Mace Tactical Systems