Riot control agents sensitization

Rothberg, S. Skin sensitization potential of the riot control agents CA, DM, CN, and CS in guinea pigs. U.S. Army... 

Dibenz (b,f)l 4-oxazepine (CR), a more recent addition to the riot-control family of compounds, was first synthesized in 1962. It is a potent sensory irritant of low toxicity. The overt signs (e.g., eye and skin irritation) of exposure are more transitory than those of other riot-control agents such as CS. CR does not induce vesication or contact sensitization. 

USE Riot control agent. Caution Potent eye, throat and skin irritant possible corneal damage may be a sensitizer in human beings. See Fed. Proc. 30, 84-99 (1971). 

The eye is a sensitive target organ of riot control agents. In studies14,15 on humans, CS (0.1% or 0.25% CS in water 1.0% CS in trioctyl phosphate), when placed or sprayed into the eyes, caused inability to open the eyes for 10 to 135 seconds. A transient conjunctivitis but no corneal damage as assessed by slitlamp biomicroscopy resulted. 

The riot control agent known as CA (bromobenzylcyanide) was the last irritating agent introduced by the Allies in World War I, and it was the most potent. It corrodes iron and steel, is not chemically stable in storage, and is sensitive to heat, all characteristics that made it unsuitable for storage and use in artillery shells.50... 

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