RESUMEN
U.S. Army chemical mask confidence training is conducted in an enclosed chamber where airborne o-chlorobenzylidene malononitrile (also known as CS or "tear gas") is generated using a low temperature (150-300 degrees C) dispersal method. CS capsules are placed onto a flame-heated aerosol generator that melts the capsules and disperses CS into the chamber. To instill confidence in chemical protective equipment, trainees are required to break the seal of their chemical protective mask, resulting in the immediate irritation of their eyes, nose, throat, and lungs. Solid phase micro extraction (SPME) sample collection techniques were used inside the chamber, followed by gas chromatography and mass spectrometry (GC/MS) to identify unintended thermal degradation products created during the CS dispersal process. The temperature of the aerosol generator averaged 257 degrees C, and 17 thermal degradation products were identified. To characterize the relationship between temperature and the types of CS thermal degradation products formed, CS was dispersed in a tube furnace at controlled temperatures from 150-300 degrees C and analyzed using the same method. There was a graded response between temperature and the number of thermal degradation products formed, with one product formed at 150 degrees C and 15 products formed at 300 degrees C. Two additional products were identified in the chamber experiment when compared with the tube furnace experiment. These products are likely the result of molten CS dripping directly into the aerosol generator's flame, which averaged 652 degrees C. To prevent undesirable degradation products during thermal dispersion of CS, a delivery system designed to contain the molten CS and maintain a consistent temperature near 150 degrees C is recommended.
Asunto(s)
Frío , Sustancias para Control de Disturbios Civiles/química , o-Clorobencilidenomalonitrila/química , Aerosoles , Cápsulas , Humanos , Personal Militar , Dispositivos de Protección Respiratoria , Estados UnidosRESUMEN
CS gas (o-chlorobenzylidenemalononitrile) is one of the most commonly used riot agents. It can create excessive tearing, conjunctivitis, uncontrolled blinking (blepharospasm) and a sensation of burning and pain at initial exposure. Pulmonary edema (ARDS) and/or diffuse airway lesions on human would be lethal after CS inhalation. We report a case with acute laryngeal and bronchial obstruction due to vocal cord edema and extensive crusting at glottic level, trachea and bronchi. The CS gas was sprayed in a 6 x 6 m(2) closed room, and she was exposed to increased concentration of the gas for 10 s. Surprisingly, her initial symptoms were raised 21 days after CS spray exposure.
Asunto(s)
Obstrucción de las Vías Aéreas/inducido químicamente , Edema Laríngeo/inducido químicamente , Sustancias para Control de Disturbios Civiles/efectos adversos , o-Clorobencilidenomalonitrila/efectos adversos , Enfermedad Aguda , Administración por Inhalación , Adolescente , Obstrucción de las Vías Aéreas/fisiopatología , Obstrucción de las Vías Aéreas/terapia , Broncoscopía , Terapia Combinada , Femenino , Estudios de Seguimiento , Humanos , Edema Laríngeo/diagnóstico , Edema Laríngeo/terapia , Laringoscopía , Sustancias para Control de Disturbios Civiles/administración & dosificación , Medición de Riesgo , Índice de Severidad de la Enfermedad , Traqueostomía/métodos , o-Clorobencilidenomalonitrila/químicaRESUMEN
High temperature dispersion (greater than 700 degrees C) of the riot control agent orthochlorobenzylidenemalononitrile (CS) has previously been shown to produce a number of organic thermal degradation products through rearrangements and loss of cyano and chlorine substituents present on the parent CS compound. Until now the possibility that HCN and HCl might also be air contaminants produced during high temperature CS dispersion has not been examined. Air samples were collected to detect HCN and HCl as air contaminants released during high-temperature CS dispersion indoors. Sampling and analysis based on National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health methods 7904 and 6010 for HCN, and 7903 for HCl, showed evidence that both compounds were present in air samples collected. A reassessment of human health risks associated with exposure to CS riot control agent dispersed at high temperature should be conducted, and should consider the full range of contaminants produced during the dispersion process.
Asunto(s)
Calor , Ácido Clorhídrico/análisis , Cianuro de Hidrógeno/análisis , Sustancias para Control de Disturbios Civiles/química , o-Clorobencilidenomalonitrila/química , Exposición a Riesgos Ambientales/análisisRESUMEN
2-Chlorobenzylidenemalononitrile (CS riot control agent) has been shown to produce a number of thermal degradation products when dispersed at high temperature. We hypothesized that these CS-derived compounds are formed by energy input from heating during the dispersion process. Here we identified organic CS-derived compounds formed from purified CS subjected to temperatures ranging from 300 to 900 degrees C in an inert atmosphere with analysis of tube furnace effluent by gas chromatography and mass spectrometry. We conclude that the production of many CS-derived compounds previously observed during high-temperature dispersion is likely to be heat related.
Asunto(s)
o-Clorobencilidenomalonitrila/química , Cromatografía de Gases y Espectrometría de Masas , CalorAsunto(s)
Capsicum/efectos adversos , Extractos Vegetales/efectos adversos , Gases Lacrimógenos/efectos adversos , o-Clorobencilidenomalonitrila/efectos adversos , omegacloroacetofenona/efectos adversos , Sustancias Peligrosas/efectos adversos , Humanos , Policia , Equipos de Seguridad , Gases Lacrimógenos/química , o-Clorobencilidenomalonitrila/químicaRESUMEN
A case of a superficial burn following exposure to CS incapacitant spray is reported. This is followed by a summary of the properties and effects of CS and the other agents which occur in the incapacitant spray. CS is relatively safe, but it does have unwanted effects, especially on skin exposure. Possible contributing factors to the production of a skin burn are discussed.