Demonstration Control Agents: Evaluation of 64 Cases

Uncontrolled use of ‘‘demonstration control agents’’ commonly known as ‘‘teargas agents’’ has recently been a common practice in Turkey. One of the first massive uses of these agents had been during a meeting of the North Atlantic Council and NATO in 2004, in Istanbul. After the demonstrations, 64 patients were evaluated and treated by the Human Rights Foundation of Turkey. Their files have been reviewed retrospectively and were classified regarding age, sex, physical findings related to chemical agents, and other injuries.

The patients were received 1 to 9 days after the chemical gas exposure. The maximum referral was 35 patients on the day of the gas exposure. The last application was 9 days after the exposure. Complaints and physical findings/symptoms were highest during the first 3 days.

This study has been carried out to reveal the short- and long-term aftereffects of ‘‘demonstration control agents.’’ The safety and effects of these agents are discussed in this article, based on our findings and existing references.