Editing CS gas (section)

== Toxicity ==

[[TRPA1]] (Transient Receptor Potential-Ankyrin 1) ion channel expressed on [[nociceptors]] (especially [[trigeminal]]) has been implicated as the site of action for CS gas in rodent models.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Bessac BF, Sivula M, von Hehn CA, Caceres AI, Escalera J, Jordt SE | title = Transient receptor potential ankyrin 1 antagonists block the noxious effects of toxic industrial isocyanates and tear gases | journal = FASEB Journal | volume = 23 | issue = 4 | pages = 1102–14 | date = April 2009 | pmid = 19036859 | pmc = 2660642 | doi = 10.1096/fj.08-117812 | doi-access = free }}</ref><ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Brône B, Peeters PJ, Marrannes R, Mercken M, Nuydens R, Meert T, Gijsen HJ | title = Tear gasses CN, CR, and CS are potent activators of the human TRPA1 receptor | journal = Toxicology and Applied Pharmacology | volume = 231 | issue = 2 | pages = 150–6 | date = September 2008 | pmid = 18501939 | doi = 10.1016/j.taap.2008.04.005 }}</ref>

Although described as a [[non-lethal weapon]] for crowd control, studies have raised doubts about this classification. CS can cause severe [[pulmonary]] damage and can also significantly damage the heart and liver.<ref name="AMA">{{cite journal | vauthors = Hu H, Fine J, Epstein P, Kelsey K, Reynolds P, Walker B | title = Tear gas--harassing agent or toxic chemical weapon? | journal = JAMA | volume = 262 | issue = 5 | pages = 660–3 | date = August 1989 | pmid = 2501523 | doi = 10.1001/jama.1989.03430050076030 }}</ref>

On 28 September 2000, Prof. Dr. Uwe Heinrich released a study commissioned by [[John C. Danforth]], of the [[United States Office of Special Counsel]], to investigate the use of CS by the FBI at the [[Branch Davidians]]' Mount Carmel compound. He said no human deaths had been reported, but concluded that the lethality of CS used would have been determined mainly by two factors: whether gas masks were used and whether the occupants were trapped in a room. He suggests that if no gas masks were used and the occupants were trapped, then, "there is a distinct possibility that this kind of CS exposure can significantly contribute to or even cause lethal effects".<ref name=UweHeinrich />

CS gas can have a [[clastogen]]ic effect (abnormal chromosome change) on mammalian cells, but no studies have linked it to miscarriages or stillbirths.<ref name=AMA /><!-- Quote: "Only one study (27) has assessed the effect of CS on pregnancy in animals and itfound no significant effect. The Himsworth committee (5) found no signficant increase in abortions, stillbirths, or congenital abnormalities in geographic districts of tear gas use, comparing a 9-month period of heavy tear gas exposure to aprevious 9-month period. " --> In Egypt, CS gas was reported to be the cause of death of several protesters in Mohamed Mahmoud Street near [[Tahrir Square|Tahrir square]] during the November 2011 protests. The solvent in which CS is dissolved, [[methyl isobutyl ketone]] (MIBK), is classified as harmful by inhalation; irritating to the eyes and respiratory system; and repeated exposure may cause skin dryness or cracking.<ref>{{cite web|title=MSDS for 99% 4-Methyl-2-pentanone (MIBK)|url=https://www.alfa.com/en/content/msds/british/A11618.pdf|publisher=Alfa Aesar|access-date=7 January 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180816093639/https://www.alfa.com/en/content/msds/british/A11618.pdf|archive-date=16 August 2018}}</ref>