Abstract
Ortho-chlorobenzylidene malononitrile (CS) “tear gas” is a lacrimating riot control
agent causing eye irritation, excessive lacrimation, and blepharospasm. Diphoterine® has been efficacious for decontamination of a wide variety of eye and skin chemical
splashes and was tested in CS exposure. Five French Gendarmes either entered a standard
training CS exposure chamber, developed eye or skin signs and symptoms, and were post-exposure
decontaminated with Diphoterine or used Diphoterine as pre-CS exposure prophylaxis
in the eyes and on the face before entering the chamber. Gendarmes who entered the
CS chamber without prior application of Diphoterine developed expected effects of
excessive lacrimation, eye irritation, and blepharospasm. After post-exposure Diphoterine
decontamination, in four Gendarmes these effects rapidly resolved and they were fully
operational. When Diphoterine was applied to the eyes and face before entering the
CS chamber, the expected effects did not occur and the single Gendarme remained fully
operational on exiting the chamber. These results suggest that Diphoterine can prevent
or rapidly ameliorate the ocular and dermal effects of CS and allow law enforcement
personnel to remain fully operational or rapidly regain operational status after decontamination.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Accepted:
January 19,
2005
Received in revised form:
October 22,
2004
Received:
December 31,
2003
Identification
Copyright
© 2005 Elsevier Inc. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
