CS IN WATER: EFFECTS ON HUMAN EYES

This was a study of the effects of 0.1% and 0.25% o-chlorobenzylidene malononitrile (CS) in water with 0.5% polysorbate 20 when placed in the human eye. Each of the 16 subjects received one drop or a brief spray in one eye. They could not open their eyes for 10 to 67 seconds, and only after 35 to 135 seconds were they able to read 20/20 letters. The visual incapacitation appeared to be similar for both concentrations. Fluorescein staining of the cornea was assessed under ultraviolet light and with a slitlamp biomicroscope. It was concluded that concentrations of 0.1% and 0.25% CS in water with 0.5% polysorbate 20 that reach the eye in either a drop or a brief spray cause transient conjunctivitis but no corneal damage in man. Limited number of copies containing color other than black and white are available until stock is exhausted. Reproductions will be made in black and white only.