 | CS gas: Encyclopedia - CS gas
CS gas
CS gas (commonly called "tear gas"), or ortho-chlorobenzylidene malononitrile, is a usually non-lethal riot control agent. Tear gas is a chemical compound (often generated by a burning process) which, in humans, causes immediate tearing of the eyes, mild respiratory convulsion, an increase in blood pressure and pulse, as well as the irritation of mucous membranes. Tear gas is available in a number of different chemical formulations with effects ranging from mild tearing of the eyes to immediate vomiting and prostration.
CS gas - Usage
CS is often delivered in a fine powder via aerosol grenades. It is often used in conjunction with OC spray, which is commonly called pepper spray. CS gas and OC sprays are usually used by police to disperse riots and demonstrations. The use of CS gas by the FBI during the siege of the Branch Davidian compound near Waco, Texas, has been the subject of controversy.
As with all riot control agents, their use for chemical warfare is prohibited by the Chemical Weapons Convention.
Members of the armed forces of the United States of America and other countries are often exposed to CS during initial training to show the importance of proper wearing of a gas mask. As the agent's presence quickly reveals improper fit or seal of the mask's rubber gaskets against the face, it is sometimes used during training refresher courses or equipment maintenance exercises as well.
Police, CN gas, CR gas, Hand grenades
CS gas - Risks to health
CS gas was heavily used in the Bogside area of Londonderry, Northern Ireland during the "Battle of the Bogside", a two-day riot in August, 1969. A total of 1,091 canisters of gas, containing 12.5g of CS; and fourteen canisters of gas, containing 50g of CS, were released in the densely populated residential area1. On 30 August the Himsworth Enquiry was set up to investigate the medical effects of its use in Londonderry. Its conclusions, viewed in the political context of the time, still pointed towards the necessity of further testing of CS gas before being used as a riot control agent. Not long after, the Security Forces ceased using CS gas in Londonderry. It is well accepted that CS gas accentuates illness when inflicted on sufferers of bronchitis, asthma, liver or kidney diseases and epilepsy.
See also
- Police
- CN gas
- CR gas
- Hand grenades
Other related archives1969, 30 August, August, Battle of the Bogside, Bogside, Branch Davidian, CN gas, CR gas, Chemical Weapons Convention, FBI, Hand grenades, Londonderry, Northern Ireland, OC spray, Police, United States of America, asthma, bronchitis, chemical warfare, demonstrations, epilepsy, eyes, gas mask, mucous membranes, non-lethal, pepper spray, police, riot control agent, riots, tearing, vomiting
 Adapted from the Wikipedia article "CS gas", under the G.N U Free Docmentation License. Please also see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki |
