CS gas—Completely safe? A burn case report and literature review

Agrawal, Yuvraj; Thornton, Daniel J. A.; Phipps, A.

doi:10.1016/j.burns.2008.06.007

Cited by 16 publications

(20 citation statements)

References 15 publications

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“…We have limited available data about the distance between the spray and the exposed body surface. Exposures from a distance of 12 inches or 30 cm have been reported [ 5 ]. On the other hand 92% of the case reports described the part of the body affected and three case reports reported the total body surface percentage affected [ 5 , 19 , 34 ].…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Riot control agents include a variety of chemical substances; however, o -chlorobenzylidene malononitrile (CS) is the most commonly available riot control agent. It has been suggested that use of CS is characterized by rapid onset of effects, brief duration of effects and minimal side-effects [ 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 ]. However, there are available data which refer to long-term effects and even life-threatening consequences [ 6 , 7 , 8 ].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Exposure to the Riot Control Agent CS and Potential Health Effects: A Systematic Review of the Evidence

Dimitroglou

Rachiotis

Hadjichristodoulou

2015

IJERPH

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o-Chlorobenzylidene malononitrile (CS) is one of the most extensively used riot control agents. Our aim was to conduct a systematic review of the potential health effects related to CS exposure. We searched for papers in English between 1991 and 2014. Thirty five (35) studies (25 case reports, seven descriptive studies and three analytical studies) were included in the review. In the twenty five case reports/series 90 cases of exposure to CS and their clinical effects are presented. Their mean age was 25.7 years and 62.0% were males. In addition, 61% of the cases described dermal, 40% respiratory, 57% ocular clinical effects. Life threatening situations as well as long-term health effects were found and were related with exposure to confined/enclosed space. Descriptive and analytical studies have shown attack rates ranging from 12% to 40%. Subjects who were sprayed by the police more often needed special treatment and reported adverse health effects. Apart from transient clinical effects, CS could have lasting and serious effects on human health. Better surveillance of the subjects exposed to CS and completion of cohort studies among exposed populations will illuminate the spectrum of the health effects of exposure to CS.

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Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Exposure to the Riot Control Agent CS and Potential Health Effects: A Systematic Review of the Evidence

Dimitroglou

Rachiotis

Hadjichristodoulou

2015

IJERPH

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“…Further dermal effects, including irritant or allergic contact dermatitis and acute generalised exanthematous pustulosis, may be delayed in onset, not presenting until 12–24 h or longer post-exposure 41 43 59 65 69 70 72–75 77 78 81 82. Additional risks in riot control situations where tear gases are used include burns from direct contact with the hot metal canister used to disperse these agents or burns caused by the flame generated by the pyrotechnic mixture used 31 68 82…”

Section: Clinical Featuresmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Rhinorrhoea and salivation may persist for 12 h, and headaches can be prolonged for up to 24 h 27 28. Dermal erythema generally subsides within 45–60 min while effects such as blistering and irritant contact dermatitis typically heal with drying of the blistered area within 4 days and minimal scarring after 4 weeks 1 68. Long-term sequelae following exposure to these agents are rare 34 42…”

Section: Clinical Featuresmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Flushing the eyes with water or saline for 10–20 min is the most often recommended initial treatment for decontamination of the eyes 1 2 27 33 34 61 85. Some have recommended using air flow over the eyes, such as that directed from fans or the use of a cold hairdryer to decontaminate the eyes following exposure to aerosolised smoke products 18 48 68 86 87. This is purported to help the gas vaporise and therefore relieve irritation 85.…”

Section: Managementmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Riot control agents: the tear gases CN, CS and OC—a medical review

2013

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Introduction2-Chloroacetophenone (CN),o-chlorobenzylidene malonitrile (CS) and oleoresin capsicum (OC) are common riot control agents. While serious systemic effects are uncommon, exposure to high concentrations may lead to severe complications and even death. The aim of this narrative review is to summarise all main aspects of the riot control agents CN, CS and OC toxicology, including mechanisms of toxicity, clinical features and management.MethodsOVID MEDLINE and ISI Web of Science were searched for terms associated with CN, CS and OC toxicity in humans and those describing the mechanism of action, clinical features and treatment protocols.ResultsCN, CS and OC are effective lacrimating agents; evidence for toxicity, as measured by the threshold for irritation, is greatest for CN, followed by CS and OC. Typically, ocular and respiratory tract irritation occurs within 20–60 s of exposure. Ocular effects involve blepharospasm, photophobia, conjunctivitis and periorbital oedema. Following inhalation, effects may include a stinging or burning sensation in the nose, tight chest, sore throat, coughing, dyspnoea and difficulty breathing. Dermal outcomes are variable, more severe for CN and include dermal irritation, bulla formation and subcutaneous oedema. Removal from the contaminated area and fresh air is a priority. There is no antidote; treatment consists of thorough decontamination and symptom-directed supportive care. Ocular exposure requires thorough eye decontamination, an eye exam and appropriate pain management. Monitoring and support of respiratory function is important in patients with significant respiratory symptoms. Standard treatment protocols may be required with patients with pre-existing respiratory conditions. Dermal exposures may require systemic steroids for patients who develop delayed contact dermatitis.ConclusionsCN, CS and OC are effective riot control agents. In the majority of exposures, significant clinical effects are not anticipated. The irritant effects can be minimised both by rapid evacuation from sites of exposure, decontamination and appropriate supportive care.

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Chemical Crowd Control Agents

Belsey

Karch

2020

Clinical Forensic Medicine

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CS gas—Completely safe? A burn case report and literature review

Cited by 16 publications

References 15 publications

Exposure to the Riot Control Agent CS and Potential Health Effects: A Systematic Review of the Evidence

Exposure to the Riot Control Agent CS and Potential Health Effects: A Systematic Review of the Evidence

Riot control agents: the tear gases CN, CS and OC—a medical review

Chemical Crowd Control Agents

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