After tear gas exposure, what is the flight grounding rule when no systemic residual side effects are present?

• A. 12 hours
• B. 24 hours
• C. 48 hours
• D. Not grounded unless systemic residual side effects

Answer: (D)

Grounding after chemical exposure is driven by the presence of systemic effects, not by a fixed time period. Tear gas is primarily an irritant that affects the eyes, airways, and skin locally. If after exposure you have no ongoing systemic symptoms—no headaches, dizziness, confusion, chest tightness, nausea, or other effects that indicate systemic absorption—there is no grounding requirement. In other words, without systemic residual side effects, you can return to duty once you’ve decontaminated and any transient irritant symptoms have resolved. If systemic symptoms do occur or persist, grounding would be warranted until those symptoms resolve or medical clearance is obtained.