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(Original report is available in PDF format.)
There is extensive scientific literature on CS, one recent search claims to have found 115 articles. Only some of the most salient aspects can be discussed here. Advocates of CS claim that high levels of exposure to CS are precluded because people are adverse to remaining where this agent is present. More critical authors have noted the lack of epidemiologic inquiry on its use in actual field conditions. However, operational usage sometimes means individuals face additional punishment or even death if they seek to leave a contaminated zone. (See examples in Appendix 6). At higher levels of exposure, inhalation toxicology studies indicate CS can cause chemical pneumonitis and fatal pulmonary edema. (Victims die by drowning in their own lung fluids). CS exposure can also lead to reactive airways dysfunction. Oral toxicological studies note the facility of CS to cause severe gastro enteritis with perforation. CS is a primary skin irritant and some individuals will develop contact dermatitis even after what appears to be an unproblematic initial exposure and severe blistering can emerge several hours later. An exposure to even a low concentration of CS raises blood pressure and there is a particular risk of health damage to anyone over 30, under physical strain or having an undetected aneurysm. At higher levels CS has been associated with heart failure, heptacellular (liver) damage and death. One US based CS manufacturer, Federal Laboratories, has warned that "Firing one Federal No. 230 Flite-Rite [tear gas projectile] in a room [eight-feet by eight-feet by seven-feet], could endanger the life of an average subject if he stayed in the room for seven minutes . CS from canisters has also caused acute mass chemical burns. (Figure 5 illustrates the severe blistering following exposure to French CS Spray).
In vitro laboratory testing has shown CS to be clastogenic, (i.e. causes disruption of chromosomes) and mutagenic (ie it has a facility to cause inheritable genetic changes in organisms). Other studies have shown CS to cause an increase in the number of abnormal chromosomes. The risks of a build up of exposure are increased because of the acquisition of tolerance to CS. This tolerance is stronger in those of higher commitment and or intelligence. One military study on the carcinogenicity (cancer causing ) potential of CS was inconclusive but observed that chronic exposure to very low concentrations of CS is of greater concern and should be further studied. This is an important safety consideration for police officers who may be regularly exposed to cross contamination when using CS which is particularly persistent. Military CS1, a micronised powder version (and CS2 - a siliconized, micro-encapsulated version of CS1) are even more persistent and therefore form an environmental clean up hazard.
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