title: Severe cutaneous reaction to CS gas.
abstract: Tear gas is used throughout the World for control of riots and civil disobedience. CS gas as used by the UK police force is issued as a 'spray' and is 5% CS in methylisobutylketone (MIBK), a potent irritant. Assaults on police officers in forces issued with CS spray have fallen significantly over the past 3 years, whilst having risen in areas without it. Thus, CS gas appears to be an effective deterrent. However, significant cutaneous reactions can occur as a result of exposure. We report a severe contact dermatitis to CS gas to highlight the clinical features. The nature of CS gas and potential cutaneous adverse reactions are discussed.
authors: Department of Dermatology, University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff, Wales, UK.
authors: S
authors: S
authors: Varma
authors: P J
authors: PJ
authors: Holt
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D003877:Dermatitis, Contact / Q000209:etiology*; D005148:Facial Dermatoses / Q000139:chemically induced*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D016495:Police; D009763:o-Chlorobenzylidenemalonitrile / Q000009:adverse effects*
chemical_list: D009763:o-Chlorobenzylidenemalonitrile