Agent CS

Agent CS was the most commonly used riot control agent and it is extremely potent. CS was first developed in the U.S. by Ben Corson and Roger Stoughton in 1928. The code name was made by taking the first letter of the last name of its creators (Corson and Stoughton). In its pure form, CS is a colorless crystal with a "peppery odor". It can be dissolved in alcohol, ether, and many other organic solvents. CS was mainly deployed by grenade (ABC-M25A2) as well as by smoke.

Below are come general chemistry facts on CS:

Chemical name: orto-chlorobenzylidene-malonitrile
Other Common Names: 2-chlorobenzylidene-malonitrile, and Tear Gas
MW- 176 g/mol
TC50(eyes): .004 mg/m^3
TC50(inhalation): .023 mg/m^3
Incapacitating Concentration (IC50): 3.6 mg/m^3

Effects of agent CS are felt almost immediately, and usually settle within 15-30min from the time of removal from exposure. A list of common effects from CS is given below:

Eyes: Blinking, lacrimation, pain, blepharospasm, conjunctival erythema and periorbital oedema
Nose: Discomfort or burning sensation, pain and rhinorrhoea
Mouth: Stinging or burning sensation, salivation, and possibly nausea and vomiting
Respiratory: Sore throat, tight chest, coughing, sneezing and increased secretions.
Skin: Burning sensation and erythema. Prolonged exposure, especially with wet clothing, can produce chemical burns.(16, 17)

(16)

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