The Physiological Effectiveness of CS in Man with Reference to Aerosol Particle Size

Chamber, wind tunnel and field studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of CS aerosols as a riot control agent against man. Exposures to clouds of CS have produced sever burning of the eyes; temporary blindness; burning in the nose, throat, and lungs; marked respiratory distress; profuse salivation; and rhinorrhea, and in some cases a fear of imminent strangulation. There have been subjective impressions that small particles produce more prominent chest effects, that large particles produce more noticeable eye effects, and that recovery is more rapid from the chest effects than from the eye effects. The object of this report is to bring together the available data on the effectiveness of CS in man with special reference to aerosol particle size. This type of information has been frequently requested. CS aerosols have been disseminated from various laboratory and munition systems, in exposure chambers, wind tunnel, and field studies. The air-borne particle sizes, (MMD = mass median diameter) obtained from the various systems employed are recorded. The detailed data are recorded. (Author)