Educating on CS or 'tear gas'.
Chlorobenzalmalononitrile or 2-chlorobenzylidene malononitrile (CS) is a commonly used riot control agent. Although generally deemed to be safe for this application, it is known that CS can cause a number of adverse effects in those exposed to it. Understanding its properties and its side effects is important in ensuring optimal medical management of its complications and, indeed, this principle applies to every chemical. As the need for CS and other law enforcement devices increases, it is important for the emergency medicine team and other specialties to be aware of correct management protocols.
St Andrews Centre for Plastic Surgery and Burns, Broomfield Hospital, UK. niroshan.s@virgin.net
Niroshan
N
Sivathasan
D000293:Adolescent; D002057:Burns, Chemical / Q000628:therapy*; D004632:Emergency Medical Services; D004635:Emergency Medicine / Q000193:education*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D012304:Riot Control Agents, Chemical / Q000633:toxicity*; D009763:o-Chlorobenzylidenemalonitrile / Q000633:toxicity*
D012304:Riot Control Agents, Chemical; D009763:o-Chlorobenzylidenemalonitrile