4.7 Agent CS |
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2-chlorobenzalmalononitrile, or CS as it is commonly known, is a white crystalline solid at room temperature. Classed as a harassing agent, CS rapidly irritates the eyes and mucous membranes in the nose and throat. It can be spread as a dust cloud or as a solution in an organic solvent. |
| Eye and respiratory tract irritation occur within a minute at exposures as low as 0.004 mg/m3. Very marked harassment of individuals occurs at concentrations of 4mg/m3. Agent CS is used as a riot control agent because the lethal dose is extremely high and many times greater than the concentration required to cause irritation. Estimates of the lethal dose, and they are only estimates, range from 25,000 to 150,000 mg-min/m3. In those exposed to CS, the chest will feel sore and tight and some people try to hold their breath. Exposed skin will sting and burn after a few minutes. Some people may also feel nauseous and vomit. The highly irritant effects of CS make people anxious and lead to a temporary increase in both blood pressure and heart rate. Those with asthma are at risk of asthmatic symptoms because of irritation of the lungs. There is no evidence that CS will cause cancer. |
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