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Severe cutaneous reaction to CS gas
Author(s) -
Varma S.,
Holt P. J. A.
Publication year - 2001
Publication title -
clinical and experimental dermatology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.587
H-Index - 78
eISSN - 1365-2230
pISSN - 0307-6938
DOI - 10.1046/j.1365-2230.2001.00806.x
Subject(s) - medicine , dermatology
Tear gas is used throughout the World for control of riots and civil disobedience. CS gas as used by the UK police force is issued as a ‘spray’ and is 5% CS in methylisobutylketone (MIBK), a potent irritant. Assaults on police officers in forces issued with CS spray have fallen significantly over the past 3 years, whilst having risen in areas without it. Thus, CS gas appears to be an effective deterrent. However, significant cutaneous reactions can occur as a result of exposure. We report a severe contact dermatitis to CS gas to highlight the clinical features. The nature of CS gas and potential cutaneous adverse reactions are discussed.