As crowds continue to gather across the country to protest the death of George Floyd, authorities meet them with tear gas and pepper spray in attempt to prevent another night of violence.

If you’re planning to join one of these protests, here’s what you need to know to protect yourself against tear gas and pepper spray.

Kelly Johnson-Arbor, Medical Director at National Capital Poison Center, said even though pepper spray is technically a natural agent, it can still cause great harm especially to those with underlying conditions. .

While many people are seen on television pouring milk on their face after getting pepper sprayed during protests, Glatter said that only helps reduce the burning sensation but doesn't remove any of the oil.

Johnson-Arbor said there is no scientific evidence to prove baby shampoo works against pepper spray.

Along with pain and tear production, tear gas also causes exaggerated muscle cramping in the eye and sensitivity to light that leads to eye closure, Glatter said.

Glatter said tear gas can cause an asthma attack or dangerous swelling in the upper airway that could lead to asphyxiation and even death.

Johnson-Arbor strongly urges people not to pick up tear gas canisters.

While there’s no approved antidote for tear gas, Glatter said there’s a few home remedies that could help ease effects after exposure.

Experts say low level agents such as pepper spray and tear gas don’t usually result in permanent or long-lasting health effects, however, exposure to higher concentrations can be more harmful.

Glatter said significant damage to the corneal epithelium, the outermost layer of the cornea, could lead to visual impairment.

Glatter said children as well as those with chronic lung disease, hypersensitivity syndromes and older people with heart and kidney disease are more at risk for severe outcomes of pepper spray or tear gas

Don't wear contact lenses to protests as tear gas or pepper spray particles can get stuck between the eye and lens and cause damage. 

While many protesters are seen with cloth masks to protect themselves from the coronavirus, Johnson-Arbor said they won't do much against tear gas or pepper spray. 

There are no studies of how pepper spray or tear gas penetrates cloth masks and most masks are open on either side. 

Lastly, she advised people to arm themselves with enough water to thoroughly irrigate their eyes if exposed to pepper spray or tear gas.