Use of teargas is prohibited in war, yet it is regularly used against civilian populations around the world.
Border Patrol agents fired teargas at members of the Central American migrant caravan who rushed the fencing that separates the U. S. and Mexico on Sunday.
As images of mothers and children choking on teargas emerged, protesters and human rights groups decried the use of the chemical agent.
Although teargas is considered a chemical warfare agent, prohibiting its use in war, it is regularly used against civilian populations around the world, according to National Geographic.
Exposure to teargas causes severe eye pain, leading to the secretion of tears and mucus, New York Magazine reported.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention noted that exposure to riot control agents, including chemicals commonly known as teargas, could result in symptoms affecting the eyes, nose, mouth, lungs and skin. In addition to potential blurred vision, difficulty swallowing, shortness of breath, and rash, riot control agents could also lead to nausea and vomiting.
