CR gas: Encyclopedia - CR gas

CR gas

CR gas or dibenzoxazepine, chemically dibenz[b,f][1,4]oxazepine, is an incapacitating agent, a lachrymatory agent. It is a pale yellow crystalline solid with pepper-like odor. It is about 6-10 times stronger than CS gas. It causes very intense skin pain, namely around moist areas, blepharospasm causing temporary blindness, coughing and gasping for breath, and panic. It is capable of causing immediate incapacitation. It is a suspected carcinogen. It is considerably toxic. In a poorly ventilated space, an individual may inhale lethal dose within minutes. Death is caused by asphyxiation and pulmonary edema. The effect of CR is long-term and persistent. CR can persist on surfaces, especially porous ones, for up to 60 days.

Its CAS number is 257-07-8[1] and its SMILES structure is C1(C=CC=C2)=C2OC (C=CC=C3)=C3N=C1. Its melting point is 73 °C. It is slightly soluble in water and does not degrade in it.

CR is chemically related to loxapine, a typical antipsychotic drug. CR is loxapine's parent compound.

CR was developed by British Ministry of Defence as a riot control agent in the late 50's and early 60's. USA rejected its use because lack of information about its carcinogenic and genotoxic effects. According to FM 3-11.9, use of CR is permitted in USA in riot control situations.

CR is usually a microparticulate solid, in the form of suspension in a propylene glycol based liquid.

While CS can be decontaminated with large amount of water, use of water may exacerbate the effects of CR. Skin contaminated with CR gas may become extremely painful in contact with water for up to 48 hours after contamination.

Medical treatment is mostly palliative. The contaminated clothing has to be removed. The eyes and skin can be washed, the eye pain can be alleviated with medications.[2]

On October 16, 1974, British forces allegedly used CR gas on republican and loyalist prisoners in Long Kesh. British government denied use of CR. This event remains controversial until now, as many of the prisoners affected later developed cancer.

In the late 1980s, CR was used in the townships in South Africa. It caused some fatalities, particularly among children.[3]

See also

• Riot control agent
• Britain must come clean on CR gas
• The night Long Kesh went up in flames
• Military chemical compounds and their properties

Adapted from the Wikipedia article "CR gas", under the G.N U Free Docmentation License. Please also see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki