Saf Health Work.  2010 Sep;1(1):98-101.

A Study for Health Hazard Evaluation of Methylene Chloride Evaporated from the Tear Gas Mixture

• Park SH
• Chung EK
• Yi GY
• Chung KJ
• Shin JA
• Lee IS

Abstract

This study explored the health hazard of those exposed to methylene chloride by assessing its atmospheric concentration when a tear gas mixture was aerially dispersed. The concentration of methylene chloride ranged from 311.1-980.3 ppm (geometric mean, 555.8 ppm), 30 seconds after the dispersion started. However, the concentration fell rapidly to below 10 ppm after dispersion was completed. The concentration during the dispersion did not surpass the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health 'immediately dangerous to life or health' value of 2,300 ppm, but did exceed the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists excursion limit of 250 ppm. Since methylene chloride is highly volatile (vapor pressure, 349 mmHg at 20degrees C), the postdispersion atmospheric concentration can rise instantaneously. Moreover, the o-chlorobenzylidenemalononitrile formulation of tear gas (CS gas) is an acute upper respiratory tract irritant. Therefore, tear gas mixtures should be handled with delicate care.

Keyword

Methylene chloride; CS tear gas; Tear gas mixture; Health hazard evaluation

MeSH Terms

Methylene Chloride
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (U.S.)
o-Chlorobenzylidenemalonitrile
Respiratory System
Tear Gases
Methylene Chloride
Tear Gases
o-Chlorobenzylidenemalonitrile