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Published on: September 26, 2012
Riot control agents: pharmacology, toxicology, biochemistry and chemistry
1US Army, Edgewood Chemical and Biological Center, 5183 Blackhawk Rd, Aberdeeen Proving Ground, MD 21010-5424, USA.
Journal of Applied Toxicology : JAT
|December 18, 2001
Summary
Riot control agents like CS and OC are generally safe but can cause harm with high or prolonged exposure. More research is needed to understand their long-term health effects and risks.
Area of Science:
- Toxicology
- Pharmacology
- Public Health
Background:
- Riot control agents (RCAs) aim to temporarily disable individuals via mucous membrane and skin irritation.
- Older agents like CN and DM have been replaced by newer agents such as CS and OC.
- Despite being considered safer, widespread RCA use raises health and safety concerns.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the health effects and safety of riot control agents.
- To highlight the risks associated with high exposure levels and prolonged use.
- To identify the need for further research on the chronic effects of RCAs.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of existing studies on riot control agents.
- Analysis of toxicity data for agents including CS, CR, and OC.
- Examination of reported adverse events and fatalities.
Main Results:
- Modern RCAs (CS, CR) have a wide safety margin but are not risk-free.
- High exposure levels and prolonged durations increase the risk of ocular, pulmonary, and dermal injury.
- Deaths are rare but have occurred with prolonged, high-concentration exposures, including with OC.
Conclusions:
- While modern RCAs have low toxicity, risks exist, particularly in enclosed spaces or with extended use.
- Long-term/chronic effects of RCAs are not well understood.
- Further research is crucial to define the biological actions and full health consequences of RCAs.
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