Riot Control Agent Poisoning TOXIC SYNDROME DESCRIPTION
Chloroacetophenone (CN), chlorobenzylidenemalononitrile (CS),
chloropicrin (PS), bromobenzylcyanide (CA), dibenzoxazepine
(CR), and combinations of these chemicals are irritant agents
that belong to a class of agents collectively known as riot
control agents or “tear gas”. Of the many tear gas agents used
worldwide, CN and CS are the most common. Most exposures are
inhalational, ocular, or dermal and typically lead to complaints
of eye, nose, and throat irritation; hacking cough; suffocation
or choking sensation; and dyspnea. High-dose exposures in an
enclosed space which likely occurs only rarely, may lead to the
development of airway edema, non-cardiogenic pulmonary edema,
and possibly respiratory arrest. The amount and route of the
exposure to tear gas and the premorbid condition of the person
exposed will contribute to the time of onset and the severity of
illness. For example, given a similar route of exposure,
clinical effects may vary from mild to