JRSM > Volume 96, Number 4 > Pp. 172-174

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Short-term and long-term physical effects of exposure to CS spray

Y G Karagama MRCS DLO   J R Newton MRCGP  ¹   C J R Newbegin FRCS  

Department of Ear, Nose & Throat/Head & Neck Surgery, Huddersfield Royal Infirmary, Lindley, Huddersfield, UK
¹ Department of ENT Surgery, Darlington Memorial Hospital, Darlington, UK

Correspondence to: Dr J R Newton, Flat 12, Clarendon House, Uplands Road, Darlington DL2 7SL, UK E-mail: jnewton59{at}hotmail.com

CS gas (2-chlorobenzylidene malonitrile) is widely used in an incapacitant spray that causes intense lacrimation, blepharospasm and burning sensations in the throat and nose. Questions have been raised about its safety. We obtained information on short-term and long-term symptoms, and performed ear, nose and throat examinations and respirometry at 8-10 months, in 34 young adults who had been exposed to CS spray in a confined space during a confrontation with police. The group was subdivided into those who had been sprayed directly on the face (n=10) and those exposed indirectly.

At one hour, all but 2 individuals still had symptoms; respiratory and oral symptoms were significantly more prevalent in the directly exposed group. At one month, only oral symptoms were significantly more prevalent. At 8-10 months, symptoms were still reported but there were no differences between the groups and clinical examinations revealed no specific abnormalities.

There was no convincing evidence of long-term physical sequelae from exposure to CS spray.

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