Chemical Defense - CS
- Chemical Defense
- CN
- CS
- OC
- Why Carry Pepper Spray (OC) Rather than a Conventional Weapon?
- What is Oleoresin Capsicum (OC)?
- Page 7
- Page 8
- Page 9
- Page 10
- Other Effects of Pepper Spray Usage
- Problems with Pepper Spray
- Types of OC Spray Nozzles
- Is Pepper Spray Legal?
- Where Can I Carry Pepper Spray?
- What is my Legal Liability with Pepper Spray?
- How Often Should I Replace My Canister of Pepper Spray?
- Are the Pocket Size or Key Ring Sprays Effective?
- What about a Ultraviolet (UV) dye in pepper spray?
- Get Proper Training
- Sources
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CS
CS (ortho-chlorobenzalmalononitrile) is a white crystalline solid that has been used for many years as an anti-riot agent. It was originally developed in 1928 by B.B. Corson and R.W. Stoughton. It was originally used as a crowd control chemical in the 1950's but was not seriously considered for use by law enforcement until the mid 1960's. It is used primarily as an incapacitating agent, both by the military and law enforcement. CS has become a mainstay of riot control and prison population control. CS can be disseminated in grenades, projectiles, aerosols, or as a powder. Burning grenades, projectiles, and the raw powder are commercially manufactured in the United States strictly for law enforcement. CS based aerosols are available to the consumer.
CS is a lacriminator, a substance that produces profuse tearing. In very minute quantities, CS has a peppery odor. At higher concentrations, the eyes will involuntarily close and have a burning sensation with profuse tearing. The nose will run, and moist skin will have a stinging sensation. CS will cause severe coughing with a tightness in the chest and throat. Occasionally, dizziness will be experienced. All of the above effects are produced 20 to 60 seconds after exposure and will last from 10 to 30 minutes after subject removed from the presence of the gas. CS is not effective against animal attacks.
CS is less potentially lethal than CN, but as with all chemical agents, these chemicals are "inherently dangerous." CS has a very high level of toxicity and may also cause severe blistering of the skin and permanent blindness.