Chow Tsz-lok inquest told cyanide poisoning from tear gas unlikely

The Coroner’s Court probe into the death of University of Science and Technology student Chow Tsz-lok has heard from a clinical toxicologist suggesting that Chow’s death is unrelated to any intoxication from tear gas fired by police.

Chow, 22, died from brain injuries four days after he fell from the third to the second floor of Sheung Tak Estate car park in the early hours of November 4 last year, while police clashed with anti-government protesters nearby.

Dr Tse Man-li told the coroner today that no toxins or medical substances were found inside Chow’s body, ruling out the possibility of death caused by cyanide poisoning from tear gas.

The doctor mentioned Chow’s medical report has not recorded any tear gas-induced reaction, nor did the medical staff on the scene were affected by the tear gas.

Tse pointed out that since tear gas canisters are activated by heat, the heating process may then produce toxic gases including cyanide, but it is unlikely that anyone will die from the cyanide produced from tear gases.

“Only when a total of 10,000 to 100,000 canisters of tear gas firing at the same time can the cyanide reach a lethal concentration,” stressed Tse.