Collateral damage: Cardiovascular and respiratory implications of tear gas deployment during peaceful protest.

ABSTRACT:

Background

In December 2024, large-scale protests in front of Georgia's Parliament were met with crowd-control measures involving the widespread use of tear gas and pepper spray, mixed with water. This study examined whether protest participants exposed to these agents exhibited electrocardiographic, capillaroscopic, or hematologic abnormalities, and explored associations with allergy status, mask use, and attendance frequency.

Methods

An observational case-control study was conducted from January 9 to March 1, 2025. Of 347 protest participants surveyed, 69 underwent clinical evaluation. A control group of 31 unexposed individuals was recruited. Participants received ECGs, capillaroscopy, complete blood count (CBC), and coagulogram testing. Data were analyzed using chi-squar

SUBMITTER: Chakhunashvili K 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12686736 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature