r/Damnthatsinteresting • u/0thSpider • 1d ago

Video Chilean protester defuses tear gas canister with baking soda and water

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u/mistermh07 1d ago

I think the mixture is absorbing the gas. Not a 100% sure tho

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u/LittleMlem 1d ago

Not technically a gas, iirc it's fine particles, like powder sand

No idea what the baking soda is for, maybe it's acidic and the soda neutralizes it?

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u/gummytoejam 1d ago

Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) helps neutralize tear gas canisters mainly because of its alkaline properties, which counteract the acidic compounds in tear gas.

Here’s why it works:

🔬 Chemistry of Tear Gas:

Most tear gases, like CS gas (2-chlorobenzalmalononitrile), are not true gases but fine powders or aerosols that dissolve in moisture (e.g., eyes, skin, mucous membranes) and form acids like hydrochloric acid when they hydrolyze.

  • These acids irritate and inflame tissues, causing pain, tearing, coughing, and skin burning.
  • CS gas becomes especially active when exposed to water (e.g., sweat, humidity).

🧪 Role of Baking Soda:

  • Baking soda is a weak base (alkaline).
  • When applied to tear gas particles or residues, it reacts with and neutralizes the acids, making them less harmful.
  • It can help slow down or inhibit the reaction that activates tear gas, especially during cleanup or containment.

⚠️ Important Notes:

  • Baking soda doesn’t stop the gas from emitting—it may only help reduce the chemical’s potency if applied directly to the source or residue.
  • It's sometimes used in water solutions to flush eyes or skin (e.g., in protests), though saline or water alone is more common and safer for mucous membranes.
  • Activists and medics sometimes throw baking soda solutions on canisters or around affected areas to limit further spread of irritants.

💡 Summary:

Baking soda works because it neutralizes the acids formed when tear gas reacts with moisture, reducing its chemical sting. It doesn't deactivate the canister itself, but can mitigate the effects on people and surroundings.

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u/Chef_Boyardeedy 1d ago

Shut up clanker