CS gas: Difference between revisions
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[[image:CS_gas_structure.png|thumb|right|chemical structure of CS gas]] |
[[image:CS_gas_structure.png|thumb|right|chemical structure of CS gas]] |
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'''CS |
'''CS Incapacitant Spray''' (commonly known as "CS gas" by the media), or ortho-chlorobenzylidene malononitrile, is a [[non-lethal]] incapacitant method of subduing a person who is usually aggressive and unreasonable. It is a chemical which reacts with moisture on the skin causing a burning sensation and the immediate forceful shutting of the eyes. Reported effects can include thick tears from the eyes to develop, a running nose full of mucus, burning in the nose and throat areas, disorientation, dizzyness and restricted breathing, however these effects are temporary and there is no damage caused to the person sprayed once the effects ware off. |
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==Usage== |
==Usage== |
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CS is often delivered in a fine powder via aerosol grenades. It is often used in conjunction with [[OC spray]], which is commonly called [[pepper spray]]. CS gas and OC sprays are usually used by [[police]] to disperse [[riot]]s and [[demonstration]]s. The use of CS gas by the [[FBI]] during the siege of the [[Branch Davidian]] compound near Waco, Texas, has been the subject of controversy. |
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As with all riot control agents, their use for [[chemical warfare]] is prohibited by the [[Chemical Weapons Convention]]. |
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Members of the armed forces of the [[United States|United States of America]] and other countries are often exposed to CS during initial training to show the importance of proper wearing of a [[gas mask]]. As the agent's presence quickly reveals improper fit or seal of the mask's rubber gaskets against the face, it is sometimes used during training refresher courses or equipment maintenance exercises as well. |
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CS is contained in a grey cannister and is issued to Police and Military Police personnel. The cannister contains a propellant and solid CS crystals. The propellant is the actual spray which is shot out of the cannister transfering the CS crystals onto the skin to react with the moisture. |
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==Risks to health== |
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Police Officers in the UK must get sprayed with CS Incapacitant Spray during their self defense training in order for them to be able to be authorised to carry it as personal protection equipment (PPE) and are also trained in helping the incapacitated person recover quickly once successfully detained. |
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CS gas was heavily used in the [[Bogside]] area of [[Londonderry]], [[Northern Ireland]] during the "[[Battle of the Bogside]]", a two-day riot in [[August]], [[1969]]. A total of 1,091 canisters of gas, containing 12.5g of CS; and fourteen canisters of gas, containing 50g of CS, were released in the densely populated residential area.<ref>{{Book reference | Author=Dr [[Raymond McClean]] | Title=The Road To Bloody Sunday (revised edition)| Publisher=Guildhall: Printing Press | Year=1997 | ID=ISBN 0-946451-37-0}} [http://cain.ulst.ac.uk/events/bsunday/mcclean.htm (extracts available online)]</ref> On [[30 August]] the [[Himsworth]] Enquiry was set up to investigate the medical effects of its use in Londonderry. Its conclusions, viewed in the political context of the time, still pointed towards the necessity of further testing of CS gas before being used as a riot control agent. Not long after, the Security Forces ceased using CS gas in Londonderry. It is well accepted that CS gas accentuates illness when inflicted on sufferers of [[bronchitis]], [[asthma]], liver or kidney diseases and [[epilepsy]]. |
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==See also== |
==See also== |
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Revision as of 08:20, 8 February 2006
CS Incapacitant Spray (commonly known as "CS gas" by the media), or ortho-chlorobenzylidene malononitrile, is a non-lethal incapacitant method of subduing a person who is usually aggressive and unreasonable. It is a chemical which reacts with moisture on the skin causing a burning sensation and the immediate forceful shutting of the eyes. Reported effects can include thick tears from the eyes to develop, a running nose full of mucus, burning in the nose and throat areas, disorientation, dizzyness and restricted breathing, however these effects are temporary and there is no damage caused to the person sprayed once the effects ware off.
Usage
CS is contained in a grey cannister and is issued to Police and Military Police personnel. The cannister contains a propellant and solid CS crystals. The propellant is the actual spray which is shot out of the cannister transfering the CS crystals onto the skin to react with the moisture.
Police Officers in the UK must get sprayed with CS Incapacitant Spray during their self defense training in order for them to be able to be authorised to carry it as personal protection equipment (PPE) and are also trained in helping the incapacitated person recover quickly once successfully detained.
See also
References
External links
- HEALTH AND SAFETY IN POLICING University of Nottingham paper on CS use in the UK.
- BBC 'wiki' site - entry on CS gas
- eMedicine Information on irritants: Cs, Cn, Cnc, Ca, Cr, Cnb, PS
- PBS article on CS use in Waco.
- How to combat the effects.