News & Notes

This week on Reactions, we’re taking a look at what’s in these little canisters and why it inflicts so much pain. And for those times when you accidentally spray yourself, we’ll also give you some tips on what to do. Reactions is a video series produced by the American Chemical Society and PBS Digital Studios. Subscribe to Reactions at http://bit.ly/ACSReactions, and follow us on Twitter @ACSreactions. The American Chemical Society, the world’s largest scientific society, is a not-for-profit organization chartered by the U.S. Congress. ACS is a global leader in providing access to chemistry-related information… Read More »Bonus: American Chemical Society explains pepper spray.

Like the post on tear gas, you’re going to want to read the full article to get the full explanation and details, but here are some key details. From the Popular Science article: …This compound is much harder to clean off than tear gas, making its effects more aggressive and long-lasting. And because hotter sprays make better products, their formulations are proprietary—manufacturers don’t want you to know what’s in them. But what we do know about pepper spray can help you understand what to do if you’re exposed and what you and your fellow protesters… Read More »What to do if you’re exposed to pepper spray (Advice from Popular Science Magazine)

You’re going to want to read the full article to get the full explanation and details, but here are some key details. From the Popular Science article: Contrary to its name, CS gas—the technical name for tear gas—is actually a crystalline powder that is converted into a fine spray and propelled from a grenade or canister by a small pyrotechnic explosion. This chemical was first developed in 1928 by American scientists, and after years of studies, it eventually became a weapon widely used by the U.S. military during the Vietnam War. Nowadays, tear gas is… Read More »What to do if you’re exposed to tear gas (Advice from Popular Science Magazine)

Bringing your child to an event/action can be a positive experience for both you and your child, as a first example (or a reminder) of the value of and possibilities for collective action. There are, however, particular concerns about bringing your child to an event/action. It may be that police will target parents with children, especially at high-risk actions. Although this is VERY UNLIKELY, you might want to be prepared. RESEARCH THE EVENT/ ACTION AHEAD OF TIME The decision to bring your child may depend on the nature of the event. Ask organizers for a… Read More »Information for Parents at Protests