Damage to Man and Environment of Tear Gas CS

Abstract

DAMAGE TO MAN AND ENVIRONMENT OF TEAR GAS CS Massimo Zucchetti ABSTRACT The chemical compound CS gas (ortho-chloro-benzylidene-malononitrile), repeatedly used by police forces against population in Italy (Val di Susa 2011-2015 and Genoa 2001), is chemically synthesized by reacting two chemicals compounds: 2-clorobenzaldeide and malononitrile. CS gas is part of the equipment of the Italian police force since 1991. It is said by many parties that the CS gas would be virtually harmless. However, due to its composition, its properties are stinging and corrosive, as it is Chlorine, and toxic, carcinogenic and mutagenic, such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. Although classified as a non-lethal weapon to control the riots, CS has proven to have many toxic effects. In addition to dangerously damage the lungs, the CS can seriously harm the heart and liver. The potential damage to internal organs, as well as gastrointestinal symptoms , was evidenced by accidental exposures reported in literature. The immediate effects of the gas on humans occur in low concentrations and depend on the irritating action to the skin and mucous membranes. The first target organs are represented by eyes: intense tearing due to irritation of the mucous membrane, blepharospasm, conjunctivitis, periorbital edema, burning, and pain. In addition, this gas causes an increase in intraocular pressure and may onset acute glaucoma in susceptible individuals. Respiratory apparatus: the most common effects are represented by irritation of the upper airways that are manifested clinically as nasal congestion and runny nose. But the irritating effects may extend distally and cause laryngitis, tracheitis, bronchial irritation and cough with copious phlegm . In severe cases laryngitis may result in laryngospasm and irritation of the lower airways may result in a very severe ARDS (Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome). In the medical literature numerous cases of prolonged cough and breathing difficulties for several months are also reported. Skin: contact of the gas with the skin causes burning sensation that usually subsides quickly but the contamination of the clothes can prolong the effects and, in case of prolonged exposure , can lead to real burns. Gastrointestinal Tract: effects usually stem from the contamination of food and beverage, and depend on the irritation of the mucous membranes and lead to symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. More serious effects such as acute liver disease (hepatitis) have also been reported occasionally. According to Amnesty International, after exposure in Genoa 2001, in June 2002, many persons have filed a formal complaint, accompanied by medical reports, claiming to suffer long-term effects (damage to lungs, throat and skin) due to exposure to gas CS. Similar reports are available from other exposed people in Valsusa 2011-2015. Finally, there is evidence from recent studies of carcinogenic and mutagenic effects of CS. They identify the mechanism that underlies the toxic action of CS, namely the formation of cyanides. The carcinogenic mechanism of CS is not based on the interaction of the compound with DNA, but directly on the apparatus of mitotic cells, causing chromosomal aberrations. Exposure to CS leads to abnormal chromosomes and the formation of free radicals. The carcinogenic effect is therefore even without DNA damage , directly altering the rate of mitosis of cells. Being shown that exposure to CS may cause alterations in the chromosomes, this could result in genetic damage. In conclusion , the claim that the CS is not toxic and it is not a carcinogen are based on studies dating back 30 years ago, outdated and/or supplemented now by more recent studies that have identified the mechanism by which the CS is not only toxic, but carcinogenic. The use of CS gas by police forces for riot control should therefore be abandoned. Key words: chemical compound CS, gas, damage

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ABSTRACT BOOK International Conference of Ecosystems (ICE2015)
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1
Organized by:
IJEES International journal of ecosystems and ecology science, Environment and Health Association,
Tirana, Albania, JIEAS Journal of International Environmental Application & Science, Selcuk University,
Turkey, Polytechnic University of Torino, Italy, Earth Science System Interdisciplinary Center (ESSIC), University
of Maryland College Park, MD, USA, Yuzuncu Yıl University Van Turkey, Department of Energy, Polytechnic
University of Tirana, cooperation with Ministry of Environment and Ministry of Education and Sport,
Albania, June 05-08, 2015
ABSTRACT BOOK
Essays on Ecosystems and Environmental Research
Editors:
Prof. Hysen Mankolli, Albania, Prof. Sukru Dursun, Turkey,
Prof. Massimo Zuchetti, Italy, Prof. Cezar Kongoli, USA
Support
ISBN: 978-9928-4248-2-2
Tirana, ALBANIA, June 05-08, 2015

ABSTRACT BOOK International Conference of Ecosystems (ICE2015)
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5
CONTENT OF ABSTRACTS
Nr
.
Title
Author’s
Location
001
HOSPITAL MEDICAL WASTE MANAGEMENT
Sukru Dursun
Turkey
002
SATELLITE-BASED ESTIMATION OF HYDROLOGIC
COMPONENTS – APPLICATION TO SNOW AND
PRECIPITATION
Cezar Kongoli12, Sean Helfrich2, Robert J.
Kuligowski2
USA
003
DAMAGE TO MAN AND ENVIRONMENT OF TEAR
GAS CS
Massimo Zucchetti
Italy
005
ENVIRONMENT AND THE RIGHT TO INFORMATION
Ervin Karamuço
Albania
006
EVOLUTION OF EUROPEAN NORMATIVE FOR
REGULATION OF POLLUTING EMISSIONS FROM
INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINES
Altin Dorri, Andonaq Londo
Albania
007
LIVESTOCK FARMS-RELATED NH3, CH4, PM
EMISSIONS IN EDREMIT DISTRICT AND VAN CITY,
TURKEY
Sevda OCAK1, Turgut AYGÜN 2, Ozan Devrim
YAY3
Turkey
008
OPTIMIZATION WITH RESPONSE SURFACE
METHODOLOGY OF BIOSORPTION CONDITIONS
AND REMOVAL OF Cr(III) IONS FROM AQUEOUS
SOLUTIONS USING LENTINUS TIGRINUS FUNGI AS
BIOSORBENT
Yusuf Uzun1, Yusuf Keskeç2, Tuba Erşen Dudu2,
Tekin Şahan2, Nahit Aktaş2
Turkey
009
OPTIMIZATION OF Cr(VI) BIOSORPTION CONDITIONS
FROM AQUEOUS SOLUTIONS BY POLYPORUS
SQUAMOSUS FUNGI AS BIOSORBENT WITH
RESPONSE SURFACE METHODOLOGY
Ahmet Kazankaya1, Tuba Erşen Dudu2, Yusuf
Keskeç2, Tekin Şahan2, Yusuf Uzun3, Nahit
Aktaş2
Turkey
010
ORGANIC AGRICULTURE- CASE STUDY AGRI
REGION TURKEY
¹Gina Raluca Kerkmann, ²Hysen Mankolli
Turkey
011
ECHİNOCOCCUS GRANULOSUS INVESTIGATION OF
INTERFERENCE ON THE SIDE EFFECTS OF
ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH
Gülüm SARĞIN1, Nuran Bazencir Görentaş 1,
Nurhayat Atasoy2, Ufuk Mercan Yücel3
Turkey
012
SOME PARAMETERS AND LEVELS OF ARSENİC İN
WATER PROVİNCE OF VAN
1Ali Rıza KUL, 1Canan DEMİR1, 2Halit DEMIR
Turkey
013
STATISTICAL MODELING FOR COBALT IONS
ADSORPTION ON NATURAL ADSORBANCE
SUBSTANCE
1Ali Rıza Kul, 2Sıddık Keskin, 1Canan Demir,
3Salih Alkan
Turkey
015
THE NATURAL DİSASTERS OF EARTHQUAKES ON
THE ECOLOGİCAL EFFECTS OF VAN TOWN AND THE
LAKE VAN BASİN
Yaşar SUBAŞI DİREK1
Turkey
016
KARASU RIVER / VAN WATERS DETERMINATION OF
MANGANESE LEVELS
Sema Kaptanoğlu1, Nurhayat Atasoy2, Ahmet
Bakır2
Turkey
017
LAGENARIA SICERARI FRUIT LEAD OBTAINED BY
ACTIVATED CARBON SHELL OF HEAVY METALS
FROM AQUEOUS REMOVAL
Ali Rıza Kul1, Şenol Kubilay2, Nilüfer Çiriğ
Selçuk3, Halime Yıldız1, Ali Savran2
Turkey
019
EXTRACTION OF ESSENTIAL OIL FROM ALBANIAN
CHAMOMILE PLANT BY WATER DISTILLATION
METHOD AND ITS CHARACTERIZATION BY FTIR
SPECTROSCOPY
1Adelaida Andoni*, 1Jonida Salihila, 2Fatos Ylli,
2Alda Osmëni, 1Krenaida Taraj, 1Armand Çomo
Albania
020
LEVEL OF SOME ORGANIC POLLUTANTS IN WATER
SAMPLES OF KARAVASTA LAGOON
Anida Dukaj1, Aurel Nuro1, Bilal Shkurtaj2
Albania
021
THE COMMAND OF IROBOT CREATE USING VISUAL
BASIC .NET
Genti Progri, Petrika Marango
Albania
022
REMOVAL OF CR(VI) BY ACTİVATED CARBON
FROM SEEDS OF STYRAX OFFİCİNALİS L.
Hatice Kar1, Erol Pehlivan*2
Turkey
023
STUDY OF SOME QUALITY INDICATORS OF WHEAT
WITH STANDART METHODS
Lirim Bekteshi
Albania
024
COMPARISON OF ANALYSIS ON SOLID WASTE AND
EFFLUENT WATER MANAGEMENT BETWEEN
DIYARBAKIR AND BATMAN DISTRICT
Nilgün ONURSAL1, Ali Rıza KUL2, Deylem
Onursal3
Turkey
025
VOLUMETRİC METHOD OF DETERMİNİNG ANİONİC
DETERGENT (AD) İN SURFACE WATER SAMPLES
Enkela Noçka1,
Ilva Gjikaj2, Dafina Karaj3
Albania
026
THE STUDY OF RELATİON OF ABSORBANCE WİTH
TİME AND OPTİMİZATİON OF MEASUREMENT
CONDİTİONS
Enkela Noçka1*,
Ilva Gjikaj2
Albania

Abstract book International Conference of Ecosystem ICE2015
============================================================================================================================
14
precipitation being applied at NOAA, with special emphasis on regional applications for the retrieval of snow
cover (extent and depth) and precipitation (rain and snowfall rate). A new operational snow depth estimation
method based on optimal interpolation of satellite and in-situ measured snow depth will be presented. The
method is being applied within NOAA’s Interactive Multi-Sensor Snow and Ice Mapping System (IMS)
providing 4-km resolution snow depth estimates over the Northern Hemisphere twice daily. Unique to the
production is the application of snow depth estimates generated interactively from the analyst that are ingested
into the objective analysis. For rain and snowfall estimations, NOAA’s satellite products based on current
geostationary and polar-orbiting satellites will also be presented with example applications to major weather
events.
Key words: Satellite Remote Sensing, Snow Depth, Rain, Snowfall
003
DAMAGE TO MAN AND ENVIRONMENT OF TEAR GAS CS
Massimo Zucchetti
Polytechnic University of Torino, Italy;
Email: massimo.zucchetti@polito.it
ABSTRACT
The chemical compound CS gas (ortho-chloro-benzylidene-malononitrile), repeatedly used by police forces
against population in Italy (Val di Susa 2011-2015 and Genoa 2001), is chemically synthesized by reacting two
chemicals compounds: 2-clorobenzaldeide and malononitrile. CS gas is part of the equipment of the Italian
police force since 1991. It is said by many parties that the CS gas would be virtually harmless. However, due to
its composition, its properties are stinging and corrosive, as it is Chlorine, and toxic, carcinogenic and
mutagenic, such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. Although classified as a non-lethal weapon to control the
riots, CS has proven to have many toxic effects. In addition to dangerously damage the lungs, the CS can
seriously harm the heart and liver. The potential damage to internal organs, as well as gastrointestinal
symptoms , was evidenced by accidental exposures reported in literature. The immediate effects of the gas on
humans occur in low concentrations and depend on the irritating action to the skin and mucous membranes.
The first target organs are represented by eyes: intense tearing due to irritation of the mucous membrane,
blepharospasm, conjunctivitis, periorbital edema, burning, and pain. In addition, this gas causes an increase in
intraocular pressure and may onset acute glaucoma in susceptible individuals. Respiratory apparatus: the most
common effects are represented by irritation of the upper airways that are manifested clinically as nasal
congestion and runny nose. But the irritating effects may extend distally and cause laryngitis, tracheitis,
bronchial irritation and cough with copious phlegm . In severe cases laryngitis may result in laryngospasm and
irritation of the lower airways may result in a very severe ARDS (Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome). In the
medical literature numerous cases of prolonged cough and breathing difficulties for several months are also
reported. Skin: contact of the gas with the skin causes burning sensation that usually subsides quickly but the
contamination of the clothes can prolong the effects and, in case of prolonged exposure , can lead to real burns.
Gastrointestinal Tract: effects usually stem from the contamination of food and beverage, and depend on the
irritation of the mucous membranes and lead to symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, diarrhea,
and abdominal pain. More serious effects such as acute liver disease (hepatitis) have also been reported
occasionally. According to Amnesty International, after exposure in Genoa 2001, in June 2002, many persons
have filed a formal complaint, accompanied by medical reports, claiming to suffer long-term effects (damage to
lungs, throat and skin) due to exposure to gas CS. Similar reports are available from other exposed people in
Valsusa 2011-2015. Finally, there is evidence from recent studies of carcinogenic and mutagenic effects of CS.
They identify the mechanism that underlies the toxic action of CS, namely the formation of cyanides. The
carcinogenic mechanism of CS is not based on the interaction of the compound with DNA, but directly on the
apparatus of mitotic cells, causing chromosomal aberrations. Exposure to CS leads to abnormal chromosomes
and the formation of free radicals. The carcinogenic effect is therefore even without DNA damage , directly
altering the rate of mitosis of cells. Being shown that exposure to CS may cause alterations in the

Abstract book International Conference of Ecosystem ICE2015
============================================================================================================================
15
chromosomes, this could result in genetic damage. In conclusion , the claim that the CS is not toxic and it is not
a carcinogen are based on studies dating back 30 years ago, outdated and/or supplemented now by more recent
studies that have identified the mechanism by which the CS is not only toxic, but carcinogenic. The use of CS
gas by police forces for riot control should therefore be abandoned.
Key words: chemical compound CS, gas, damage
004
THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS OF OIL PRODUCTION ON LAND AND SEA
1Massimo V. Civita, 2Albina Colella
1Politecnico di Torino, Italy;
2Dipartimento di Scienze, Università della Basilicata, Italy;
Email: mcivita@fastwebnet.it; albina.colella@unibas.it
ABSTRACT
The widespread use of petroleum is causing serious environmental problems in fragile ecosystems, that are
increasingly targeted by oil companies often stirring controversies with local populations on issues related to
health and environmental consequences. Although oil activities - are frequently located near homes, hospitals
and other community resources, and - oil production and transportation can disrupt human population and
animal and fish life, we realized that both populations and most of the decision-makers ignore many of the
environmental and social impacts of the oil production and consumption. Whereas the case of political benefits
of increased production and control over oil has been clearly articulated, the environmental, health and social
costs of increased oil flows are largely absent from government policy deliberations and from public discourse.
Clearly, there are very real trade-offs resulting from increased oil production and consumption. But how well
do policy makers and the public understand the costs of such commitment to oil ? What data are available to
evaluate the impacts of oil production and consumption at the different stages in the oil life cycle? For this
reason we decided to realize an organized and documented synthesis of the various impacts of petroleum
activities on land and sea, and to describe the environmental, health and social impacts of oil and gas
extraction, transport and refining. Our analysis was based on data collected everywhere in the world, and
clearly shows that oil adverse impacts spread out everywhere oil flows, but they affect disproportionately poor
communities.
Key words: environmental impacts, oil production, land, sea
005
ENVIRONMENT AND THE RIGHT TO INFORMATION
Ervin Karamuço
State University “Aleksandër Moisiu”, Faculty of Law and Political Science, Department of Law, Durres,
Albania;
Email: ekaramuco@yahoo.com
ABSTRACT
According to Albanian Constitution, the right to information is guaranteed and everyone has the right to be
informed about the status of the environment and its protection. The right, in compliance with law, to obtain
information about the activity of state institution and of persons who exercise state functions is also guaranteed.
The aim of this paper is to deeply analyses and identifies the efforts of Albanian authorities to implement this
constitutional right in relation with other international obligations about environment protection and right to be
informed in this field. Following the ratification of the Aarhus Convention, Albanian has taken other

DAMAGE TO MAN
AND ENVIRONMENT
OF TEAR GAS CS
Massimo Zucchetti
Politecnico di Torino, Italy
1

Introduction
►The chemical compound CS gas (ortho-chloro-
benzylidene-malononitrile), repeatedly used by
police forces against population in Italy (Val di
Susa 2011-2015 and Genoa 2001), is chemically
synthesized by reacting two chemicals
compounds: 2-clorobenzaldeide and malononitrile.
►CS gas is part of the equipment of the Italian
police force since 1991.
2 Massimo Zucchetti - ICE2015 Conference

Introduction
►It is said by many parties that the CS gas would
be virtually harmless.
►However, due to its composition, its properties are
stinging and corrosive, as it is Chlorine, and toxic,
carcinogenic and mutagenic, such as polycyclic
aromatic hydrocarbons.
3 Massimo Zucchetti - ICE2015 Conference

Chemical warfare
►Nerve paralytic agents – Sarin, Soman, Tabun
►Vesicant agents – Mustard gas (sulphuric or
nitrogenic)
►Afterdamp agents – Hydrocyanic acid, phosgene,
chlorine
►Generally poisonous agents
►Irritant agents – non letal weapons – tear gases
group
4 Massimo Zucchetti - ICE2015 Conference

Kinds of tear gases
►1) CN gas – main agent is chloroacetophenone.
5 Massimo Zucchetti - ICE2015 Conference

Kinds of tear gases
►CS gas – main agent is chlorobenzalmalononitrile
6 Massimo Zucchetti - ICE2015 Conference

Kinds of tear gases
►OC gas – the main
agent is organic
compound capsaicine.
OC gas is known as
pepper spray too. OC
gas is the most used
kind of tear gas.
7 Massimo Zucchetti - ICE2015 Conference

Applications of tear gas
►Classic pepper spray
►Fluid shot
►Foam
►Gas grenade – used in army and riot control
8 Massimo Zucchetti - ICE2015 Conference

Tear gas effects
►Eyes and skin inflammation and irritation
►Respiration problems
►High concetration, long exposition –
damage of kidney and liver
Effect of tear gas is very individual.
9 Massimo Zucchetti - ICE2015 Conference

Tear gas effects
►Although classified as a non-lethal weapon
to control the riots, CS has proven to have
many toxic effects.
►In addition to dangerously damage the
lungs , the CS can seriously harm the heart
and liver.
►The potential damage to internal organs, as
well as gastrointestinal symptoms , was
evidenced by accidental exposures reported
in literature.
10 Massimo Zucchetti - ICE2015 Conference

Tear gas effects
►The immediate effects of the gas on
humans occur in low concentrations and
depend on the irritating action to the skin
and mucous membranes.
►The first target organs are represented by
eyes: intense tearing due to irritation of the
mucous membrane, blepharospasm,
conjunctivitis, periorbital edema, burning,
and pain.
►In addition, this gas causes an increase in
intraocular pressure and may onset acute
glaucoma in susceptible individuals.
11 Massimo Zucchetti - ICE2015 Conference

Tear gas effects
►Respiratory apparatus: the most common
effects are represented by irritation of the
upper airways that are manifested clinically
as nasal congestion and runny nose. But the
irritating effects may extend distally and
cause laryngitis, tracheitis, bronchial
irritation and cough with copious phlegm.
► In severe cases laryngitis may result in
laryngospasm and irritation of the lower
airways may result in a very severe ARDS
(Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome).
12 Massimo Zucchetti - ICE2015 Conference

Tear gas effects
►In the medical literature numerous cases of
prolonged cough and breathing difficulties
for several months are also reported.
►Skin: contact of the gas with the skin causes
burning sensation that usually subsides
quickly but the contamination of the clothes
can prolong the effects and, in case of
prolonged exposure , can lead to real burns.
13 Massimo Zucchetti - ICE2015 Conference

Tear gas effects
►Gastrointestinal Tract: effects usually stem
from the contamination of food and
beverage, and depend on the irritation of
the mucous membranes and lead to
symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, loss of
appetite, diarrhea, abdominal pain.
►More serious effects such as acute liver
disease (hepatitis) have also been reported
occasionally.
14 Massimo Zucchetti - ICE2015 Conference

Tear gas effects
►According to Amnesty International, after
exposure in Genoa 2001, in June 2002,
many persons have filed a formal complaint,
accompanied by medical reports, claiming to
suffer long-term effects (damage to lungs,
throat and skin) due to exposure to gas CS.
► Similar reports are available from other
exposed people in Valsusa 2011-2015.
15 Massimo Zucchetti - ICE2015 Conference

Tear gas effects
►Finally, there is evidence from recent
studies of carcinogenic and mutagenic
effects of CS.
►They identify the mechanism that underlies
the toxic action of CS, namely the formation
of cyanides.
►The carcinogenic mechanism of CS is not
based on the interaction of the compound
with DNA, but directly on the apparatus of
mitotic cells, causing chromosomal
aberrations.
16 Massimo Zucchetti - ICE2015 Conference

Tear gas effects
►Exposure to CS leads to abnormal
chromosomes and the formation of free
radicals.
►The carcinogenic effect is therefore even
without DNA damage , directly altering the
rate of mitosis of cells.
►Being shown that exposure to CS may cause
alterations in the chromosomes, this could
result in genetic damage
17 Massimo Zucchetti - ICE2015 Conference

First aid and protection against tear
gas
►
First aid
: 1) Leaving contaminated area
2) Washing contaminated parts of
body
3) Staing in open air
►
Protection
: 1) Wet hanky or towel
2) Protection spray
3) Gas mask
18 Massimo Zucchetti - ICE2015 Conference

Conclusions
►In conclusion , the claim that the CS is not
toxic and it is not a carcinogen are based on
studies dating back 30 years ago, outdated
and/or supplemented now by more recent
studies that have identified the mechanism
by which the CS is not only toxic, but
carcinogenic.
►The use of CS gas by police forces for riot
control should therefore be abandoned.
19 Massimo Zucchetti - ICE2015 Conference

20 Massimo Zucchetti - ICE2015 Conference

Valle di Susa, Italy, 2011-2015
21 Massimo Zucchetti - ICE2015 Conference

K. Wu et al., “Acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis induced by a
topical agent: 2-chlorobenzylidene malonitrile (CS) gas”, British Journal
of Dermatology,
Volume 164, Issue 1,
pages 227–228, january 2011.
22 Massimo Zucchetti - ICE2015 Conference

Some Scientific Literature
►The potential damage to internal organs , as well as gastrointestinal symptoms , was
evidenced by an accidental exposure reported in the journal Arch Toxicol . 2003 ( article
by I. Solomon , and others, 77 (2003) 601-604) .
►The laryngeal and bronchial obstruction is demonstrated for example in the article on Eur
Arch Magazine Otorhinolaringol . E. Karaman and others, 266 (2009) 301-304
►Many studies have associated exposure to the CS with miscarriages. Howard H. et al,
“Tear Gas: Harassing Agent or Toxic Chemical Weapon?“, Journal of the American
Medical Association, August 4, 1989.
►In the article: Von Daniken et al., Arch Toxikol, 49 (1981) 15-27 it was established that
the CS had no carcinogenic effects mediated by DNA damage . But the article on Arch
Toxicol. Ziegler- Skylakakis and others , 1989, 63 (1989) 314-319 reveals the
carcinogenic mechanism of CS : it is not based on the interaction of the compound with
DNA, but directly on the apparatus of mitotic cells, causing chromosomal aberrations.
►K. Wu et al, " Acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis induced by a topical agent : 2
- chlorobenzylidene malonitrile (CS) gas," British Journal of Dermatology , Volume 164 ,
Issue 1 , pages 227-228 , january 2011.
►Watson, K. and Rycroft, R. (2005), Unintended cutaneous reactions to CS spray. Contact
Dermatitis, 53: 9–13
23 Massimo Zucchetti - ICE2015 Conference