Chile protests: Experts say tear gas poses serious harm

Chemical agent is similar to spraying a solution of bicarbonate of soda in eyes of protesters.

Experts in Chile have warned that the daily use of tear gas by police could have serious side effects.

For nearly seven weeks, protesters have been demonstrating – often leading to clashes with security forces.

The rallies began in October when the government decided to increase metro fares. That proposal has since been reversed.

 

Al Jazeera’s Latin America Editor Lucia Newman reports from Santiago.