PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — A team of researchers and health officials on Friday released a study on the effects of tear gas on behalf of Don’t Shoot Portland.
The researchers held a press conference Friday to reveal their findings. Speakers at the press conference included Don’t Shoot Portland’s Chief Public Health Consultant Arya Morman and OHSU Neuroscientist Dr. Anita Randolph. Teressa Raiford, founder of Don’t Shoot Portland, moderated.
“We really need to look at the chemicals that are in these canisters,” Dr. Randolph said during the conference. “I just want them to understand it is very detrimental to their health,” she said.
Don’t Shoot Portland has requested the use of tear gas to be banned. The press conference and the release of the study was the same day Portland police used tear gas to disperse protesters.
The study shows that the gas can cause detrimental health effects, psychological harm, and ecological damage.
Seeking a permanent ban from law enforcement usage, Don’t Shoot Portland filed a lawsuit against the city on June 5.