Major missions because of irritant gas Over 50 people injured

Many injured because of irritating gas - dozens of people in the hospital
In North Rhine-Westphalia, there were two major missions on Monday due to irritable gas injuries. Over 50 people suffered health problems such as irritation of the eyes and respiratory tract. 30 people were taken to hospitals.

Dozens of people brought to hospitals
According to media reports, there were two missions on Monday in North Rhine-Westphalia due to irritant gas. On the one hand, a previously unknown gas was sprayed in a school center in Selm. An alarm was raised for a "mass casualty" after numerous students and teachers complained of respiratory ailments such as coughing and scratching the throat. Of the approximately 100 affected, about 30 were taken to hospitals.

In North Rhine-Westphalia irritating gas was sprayed on Monday in a school and a shopping mall. In total, over 50 people are said to have been injured. (Image: lassedesignen / fotolia.com)

Shopping center was evacuated
In the second case, a 16-year-old student in a shopping center in Mülheim sprayed pepper spray and injured 22 people. According to police, the teenager confessed to the crime.

According to a news agency dpa news agency, he said he wanted to test the spray offered as an animal repellent spray in a mall shop.

"Strong police and fire brigade forces evacuated the mall and cared for 22 injured people who complained of eye and airway irritation," the police said.

The pupil was arrested after witnesses in the vicinity. He is now awaiting trial for dangerous bodily injury.

Health risks due to irritant gas
Irritant gas, such as tear gas or pepper spray, is used in Germany, among others, by the police during demonstrations. However, more and more people are also earning such funds privately for self-defense. It is usually not difficult for minors to get such sprays.

The symptoms caused by such agents usually appear immediately or a few seconds after spraying. Sprayed irritating gas can cause swelling of the mucous membranes and immediate closure of the eyelids.

The inhalation of the irritant usually causes health problems such as coughing and shortness of breath. An unpleasant itching often develops on the skin. (Ad)