“Side Effects of Tear Gas Still Linger”

Turkish Doctors Union (TTB) released a statement, saying that those who were affected by tear gas during Gezi Resistance protests still suffered from its side effects.  

In June, the union conducted a survey where it asked participants to fill out an online form regarding “Evaluation of Chemical Weapon/Demonstration Control Agents Effects”. 

According to a report released on July 1, at least 11,155 applicants were subjected to tear gas during Gezi Resistance protests with a majority of young people and women.  

While 69 percent said that they were severely affected by tear gas, 30 percent were affected from a close radius and 788 suffered from gas bomb canister-related injuries. 

Some of the lingering side-effects of tear gas exposure included rushes in the skin (14 percent), imbalance while walking (10 percent) and muscle weakness in the arms and legs (11.2 percent). 

The survey also measured whether those who were affected by tear gas sought for help. 

While 49 percent of participants said that they did not do so, only 4.86 percent said they had their wounds checked up at a hospital. (AS/BM)

* Click here to read the original article in Turkish.