Health. |
Exposure limit(s) |
NIOSH REL: TWA 2 ppm (10 mg/m3) OSHA PEL: TWA 20 ppm (100
mg/m3) IDLH 100 ppm |
Poison_Class |
3 |
Exposure effects |
Agitation and syncope, both attributed to panic, have been
reported. |
Ingestion |
A metallic taste with a burning sensation of the tongue is common.
Nausea is common; vomiting occurs occasionally. Epigastric discomfort and
burping may occur if tear gas is swallowed. |
Inhalation |
Cough, rhinorrhea, sneezing, chest tightness, and laryngospasm may
occur shortly following exposure due to the irritant effects. |
Skin |
Irritation may occur to all body surfaces where significant exposure
has occurred. Painful contact dermatitis may persist for several hours
following exposure to mace containing capsaicin. Bullous dermatitis may
develop 12 to three days after exposure to tear gas containing
o-chlorobenzylidene malononitrile (cs). Erythema, vesicle eruptions, and
denuded areas with weeping tender erythematous base may develop one day
after exposure to mace containing 1-chloroacetophenone (cn). |
First aid |
|
Ingestion |
DO NOT INDUCE VOMITING. If the victim is conscious and not convulsing,
give 1 or 2 glasses of water to dilute the chemical and IMMEDIATELY call a
hospital or poison control center. Be prepared to transport the victim to
a hospital if advised by a physician. |
Inhalation |
IMMEDIATELY leave the contaminated area; take deep breaths of fresh
air. If symptoms (such as wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath, or
burning in the mouth, throat, or chest) develop, call a physician and be
prepared to transport the victim to a hospital. Provide proper respiratory
protection to rescuers entering an unknown atmosphere. Whenever possible,
Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) should be used. |
Skin |
IMMEDIATELY flood affected skin with water while removing and
isolating all contaminated clothing. Gently wash all affected skin areas
thoroughly with soap and water. If symptoms such as redness or irritation
develop, IMMEDIATELY call a physician and be prepared to transport the
victim to a hospital for treatment. |
Eyes |
First check the victim for contact lenses and remove if present. Flush
victim's eyes with water or normal saline solution for 20 to 30 minutes
while simultaneously calling a hospital or poison control center. Do not
put any ointments, oils, or medication in the victim's eyes without
specific instructions from a physician. IMMEDIATELY transport the victim
after flushing eyes to a hospital even if no symptoms (such as redness or
irritation) develop. |