Individuals who handle CS should wear rubber gloves, hood, rubber boots, rubber apron and respirator and secure their field clothing at the neck, wrists and ankles. Exposed persons should if possible move to fresh air, separate from fellow sufferers, face into the wind with eyes open and breathe deeply. Following exposure, clothing and individual equipment should be inspected for residue. If a residue is found, individuals should change and wash their clothing to protect themselves and other unmasked persons. Mechanism of Action.
Lachrymators act on the nerve endings, the cornea, mucous membranes and the skin.
The reaction is very rapid. Pathological examination of rabbits exposed to CS revealed an increase in number of goblet cells in the respiratory tract. Pulmonary oedema occurred after inhalation at very high concentrations, in excess of 20000 mg.min.m -3 . Signs and Symptoms. During exposure an individual is incapable of effective concerted action.