CS gas, also known as tear gas, is a non-lethal chemical agent used for riot and crowd control. It causes severe reactions in tear ducts and mucous membranes. It was first used in the late 1950s and is widely used by police. Modern gas masks offer protection against it. It can cause skin irritation and is prohibited in warfare but allowed for use by police. The effects vary but are typically painful and debilitating, especially for people with specific health conditions. Warm clothing and avoiding scrubbing can limit skin irritation.
CS gas is a non-lethal chemical agent primarily used as a riot and crowd control tool. It causes severe and debilitating reactions in the tear ducts and mucous membranes. This agent was first used in the late 1950s and is used extensively to combat civil unrest. Modern gas masks offer excellent protection against CS gas.
This chemical compound was first isolated in 1928 and named after the men, Corson and Stoughton, who first developed its active ingredient. This ingredient, 2-chlorobenzalmalononitrile, is mixed with other chemicals to turn it into a gas. Most commonly this chemical agent is distributed using small grenade-like canisters, which can be tossed or thrown. Spray delivery systems are also sometimes used.
The most common name for this compound is “tear gas.” This name comes from the most important physical effects of the gas. However, other chemical agents with similar debilitating but non-lethal effects may also be referred to as “tear gas.”
Reactions to CS gas vary to some extent, but are typically both painful and debilitating. The substance irritates the eyes and mucous membranes, which makes vision difficult. Breathing after exposure to CS gas is also difficult and can be quite painful. Many people exposed to this substance find it impossible to breathe through their nostrils. Other physical effects, including pain and nausea, are also not uncommon.
International treaties prohibit the use of CS gas in warfare, as it is considered a chemical weapon. However, these treaties do not prohibit their use by police against civilians. It is widely used as a riot control agent and crowd dispersal tool. Police are often reluctant to use it in confined spaces, as the effects of CS gas can induce dangerous panic when no easy escape route from the chemical agent is available.
Opinion remains divided on the dangers posed by exposure to this gas. It’s generally accepted that the gas isn’t lethal, but it can pose additional risks to people with specific health conditions. Asthmatics, for example, may experience more serious difficulties.
Modern gas masks are very effective in protecting the wearer from the effects of this gas. However, the compound can still cause skin irritation. This occurs because the chemical irritant can seep into your pores and this causes a painful reaction. Warm clothing can limit this effect, as can taking care not to scrub areas exposed to CS gas. The hot climate aggravates the topical effect of the gas, because sweating opens the pores.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
