Re: Getting maced and gassed tommorrow.....
The reactions are related to histamine production, similar to allergies and respiratory infections. Premedication with antihistamines will help with the body's reaction and also result in some degree of dehydration. Eat nothing prior. Protect your exposed skin with petroleum jelly. As far as eyes are concerned, I'm guessing that no pretection will be allowed. But once outside the exposure, do not rub them, and do force yourself to keep them open as much as possible, to allow the irritants to disperse. Do not rub exposed skin, as it drives the irritant into the pores, prolonging it burning effect.
My Elder Brother was stationed at Fort McClellan, ChemCorps HQ; and ran these kinds of chamber familiarization exposures several times weekly. This advice is based on his advice to me before entering the military service.
In some ways, the exposure can be kinda beneficial, Your sinuses and lungs will be more clear afterward than they probably were for years previous. In The Corps, my first exposure came during a bout with something bordering on pneumonia. After I recovered from the exposure, the pneumonia-like symptoms were gone and did not return.
Greg
