“It was expected that prolonged use of chemical substances would have certain effects. Chemicals used via spraying mainly damage the respiratory tract - this should be a lesson for the state that such behavior toward its own population is unacceptable!” - said Amiran Gamkrelidze, former director of the National Center for Disease Control, in an interview with Interpressnews regarding the BBC investigation.

Gamkrelidze emphasized that the population should remain calm, and if anyone feels symptoms related to chemical exposure during dispersals, they should consult their family doctor and follow their guidance.

“It would be desirable to know exactly which chemical was used. Last year, when protests were dispersed in the country, I said that such disproportionate force was undesirable. It was December - cold weather, water jets, and the use of certain chemical mixtures… Over several days, the same groups of young people gathered repeatedly, causing prolonged exposure. Also, if streets were not disinfected afterward, these substances could remain on surfaces for a long time.

From the experience of April 9, I remember people arriving at the Republican Hospital after exposure; residents who visited memorials and came into contact with flowers could have been exposed to these substances for an extended time.

Once again, it depends on the specific substance used. It was expected that there would be some effects. I have seen the study conducted by the Chakhunashvilis - 70 people were examined instrumentally one to one-and-a-half months later. This is quite late, 2–3 months after the dispersal, indicating that the chemicals really had a prolonged effect.

These chemicals, when dispersed, primarily damage the respiratory system. High-risk groups, such as people with asthma or cardiovascular diseases, should have been warned. Specialists need to advise the public on what to do and how to do it. After April 9, there was daily communication with the population, informing them of the effects of the chemicals and creating treatment and rehabilitation programs for those affected.

Today, there is panic in society. Doctors should speak as much as possible. A lot of time has passed - if the exposure was not severe and highly toxic chemicals were not used, it has most likely left the body. There is no reason for panic. It should be a lesson that such behavior toward the population is unacceptable. Proportionate force should be maintained.

The public should remain calm. If people believe they have ongoing complaints related to the dispersals, they should consult their family doctor and follow their advice. More than a year has passed, and now there should not be significant health problems unless someone belonged to a high-risk group,” - stated Amiran Gamkrelidze.