Chemical Weapons There has been considerable increase in the use of tear gas and pepper spray against protesters. Chemical weapons absorbed by or trapped under contact lenses may cause eye damage. Some people bring gas masks to demonstrations, although these attract police attention. If you choose to bring a gas mask, get an M17A1 or the equivalent, with shatter resistant lenses and replaceable, non-asbestos filters. Keep your skin free of Vaseline, mineral oil, skin moisturizers and make-up.
Chemical weapons bind with oily substances and become harder to remove.
Once clothing has been contaminated with chemical weapons, it should be removed. Bring a change of clothing in a sealed plastic bag. The projectiles cause deep bruises and can break bones, but the most serious risk is to your eyes. These visors are important to use over glasses or swim goggles, both of which can shatter. Turning your video camera off and removing the battery will keep your batteries going a lot longer than having the camera on standby or turned off with the battery still attached.