The complexity of completely removing tear gas residue makes it a near-daunting task.

First, the composition of tear gas is designed to disable humans. Though there are different types available, tear gas works by releasing an inhalant that infiltrates the mucous membranes causing people who come in contact with it to cough and tear up; it also creates a burning sensation on the skin. This reaction temporarily renders individuals from being able to fully function, which is designed to allow law enforcement officials to diffuse potentially dangerous situations. .

Second, it’s a mess to remove from any structure. When tear gas is used, canisters are shot from launchers that heat the canisters prior to release to help disperse the gas more effectively. The particles are heavy so they settle eventually, but can move from powder to gas state under heat, which makes recontamination possible.

While being extremely effective for subduing suspects, these factors can make tear gas remediation especially challenging. Unfortunately, there is no such thing as an easy tear gas remediation job. Yet if tear gas powder or residue is not completely eliminated from a structure, the irritating effects of the gas can linger,  making the area uninhabitable and affecting property and business long after the gas is used.