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 violently aggressive. 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, wear off quickly and there is no actual physical damage caused to the person sprayed.

CS Spray 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 moisture.  

Certain Police Forces within the UK make use of CS Spray and those Forces that do require Police Officers to be 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 they are also trained in helping the incapacitated person recover quickly once successfully restrained.  

Forces that do not issue CS Spray to its officers will issue PAVA Spray or Captor Spray which work in a similar fashion.

• Police
• CN gas
• CR gas
• Hand grenades
• Mustard gas
• Police violence
• Disfiguration
• Shit sandwich

• 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.