Delhi students get tear-gassed during protest: Expert shares what it is, symptoms of exposure and first-aid measures

Tear gas is a chemical irritant, not a gas, released as fine particles that irritate eyes, nose, mouth, skin, and airways.

Immediate symptoms include excessive tearing, coughing, sneezing, and burning sensations, triggering a protective response to move away.

Dr Bimalpreet Kaur Mohan, director of Capital Health Clinic in Hauz Khas, New Delhi, provided first-aid measures for tear gas exposure.

Tear gas was used by law enforcement during student protests at Jantar Mantar over the 2026 NEET paper leak, led by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP).