Editing Riot control (section)

====Decontamination====

At room temperature, tear gases are white solids. They are stable when heated and have low [[vapor pressure]]. Consequently, they are usually dispersed as [[aerosol]]s. All of them have low [[solubility]] in water but can be dissolved in several [[organic solvent]]s. [[Hydrolysis]] of CN is very slow in a water solution, especially if [[alkali]] is added. CS is rapidly hydrolyzed in water solution (half-life at [[pH]] 7 is about 15 min. at room temperature) and extremely rapid when alkali is added (half-life at [[pH]] 9 is about 1 min.). CR is hydrolyzed only to a negligible extent in water solution.

[[CN gas|CN]] and [[CR gas|CR]] are, thus, difficult to decompose under practical conditions, whereas [[CS gas|CS]] can easily be inactivated by means of a water solution. Skin is suitably decontaminated of CS and CN gas by thorough washing with soap and water. CS is then decomposed, whereas CN is only removed via soap and water. The effects of CR gas are greatly increased by water, causing any attempt to DECON CR via soap and water to increase the severity and duration of the effects. When decontamination of CR is attempted with soap and water the effects of CR can last up to 48 hours

Decontamination of material after contamination with CR gas is not possible for up to 45 days. CS can be decontaminated l with a 5–10 percent soda solution or 2 percent alkaline solution. If this type of decontamination cannot be accomplished (e.g., contaminated rooms and furniture), then the only other means is by intensive air exchange—preferably with hot air. Exposed streets and sidewalks will have toxic and irritating CS powder that will be stirred into the air by traffic and pedestrians long after the cloud has dissipated, and should be washed away with water. In contrast to human beings, domesticated animals generally have lower sensitivity to tear gases. Dogs and horses can therefore be used by police for riot control even when tear gas is used.{{Citation needed|date=September 2007}}