Acute effects of exposure to orthochlorobenzylidene malononitrile (CS) and the development of tolerance

Abstract

1972). Brit. J. industr. Med., 29,[298][299][300][301][302][303][304][305][306]. Acute effects of exposure to orthochlorobenzylidene malononitrile (CS) and the development of tolerance. Of the many compounds capable of producing irritation of the eyes and upper respiratory tract two, co-chloroacetophenone and orthochlorobenzylidene malononitrile (CS), have been used as riot control agents. The latter, CS, has been in use for more than 10 years and is currently still in service. When dispersed as a smoke consisting of 1-micron diameter particles CS will produce lachrymation and pain and discomfort in the upper respiratory tract and chest. Exposed individuals become apprehensive and highly motivated to escape from the smoke. Recovery from these effects occurs within minutes of the affected individual reaching fresh air.The present study reports the effects produced by CS aerosol on 35 healthy male volunteers who were exposed in such a way that the total dose of the agent received by each man was greater than that which he might have received in an actual riot; this was achieved by taking advantage of the fact that adaptation to the effects of CS occurs if exposure is gradual and to low concentrations. In addition to the clinical observations, cardiological, respiratory, and biochemical observations were made. No abnormalities were observed in the electrocardiogram, respiratory function tests or the blood biochemistry and cell constitution. Such changes that were observed could be ascribed to the emotional stress and discomfort of the experiment.Many compounds, when disseminated as vapour or aerosol, are capable of producing, in man, irritation of the eyes and upper respiratory tract; two in particular, co-chloroacetophenone (CN) and 0-chlorobenzylidene malononitrile (CS), are highly potent and specific in producing these effects and for this reason have been utilized as the active ingredient of tear smoke.

Chemistry, Biochemistry, Pharmacology, and Toxicology of CS and Synthesis of Its Novel Analogs

“…The identity of the compound was confirmed by the presence of the [COCH(CN) 2 } ion (m/e=5 1) in its mass spectrum. Also, the characterization of 2-trifluoromethylbenzoyl malononitrile (36,10.3%) in the Knovenagel reaction product formed with hexafluoroammoiumaluminate as catalyst suggests that the initially formed 3-hydroxy derivative had undergone in situ oxidation.…”

Riot control agents: the tear gases CN, CS and OC—a medical review

“…Copious rhinorrhoea may occur along with salivation and burning sensation in the mouth and tongue 24 28 39 56. Contaminated saliva that is swallowed may lead to epigastric discomfort and may contribute to nausea and vomiting and/or diarrhoea 27 28 32 39. Persistent coughing may also contribute to retching.…”

2-Chlorobenzylmercapturic acid, a metabolite of the riot control agent 2-chlorobenzylidene malononitrile (CS) in the rat

“…It is known that CS as smoke or as an aerosol produces lachrymation, sternutation, sensory irritation of the upper respiratory tract, skin sensitization and irritation (Jones 1972;Beswick et al 1972;Marrs et al 1983). Because of the rapidity of onset of irritation, exposed persons are ordinarly forced to flee the contaminated environment before serious mucous membrane damage can occur (Holland and White 1972;Beswick et al 1972;Shmunes and Taylor 1973).…”

“…Because of the rapidity of onset of irritation, exposed persons are ordinarly forced to flee the contaminated environment before serious mucous membrane damage can occur (Holland and White 1972;Beswick et al 1972;Shmunes and Taylor 1973). It has been reported, that CS combines readily with plasma proteins and glutathione in vivo.…”