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

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 311.1–980.3ppm (geometric mean 555.8ppm), 30 seconds after the dispersion starte...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Safety and health at work 2010-09, Vol.1 (1), p.98-101
Main Authors: Park, Seung-Hyun, Chung, Eun-Kyo, YI, Gwang-Yong, Chung, Kwang-Jae, Shin, Jung-Ah, Lee, In-Seop
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Case Report
CS tear gas
Health hazard evaluation
Methylene chloride
Tear gas mixture
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Summary: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 311.1–980.3ppm (geometric mean 555.8ppm), 30 seconds after the dispersion started. However, the concentration fell rapidly to below 10ppm after dispersion was completed. The concentration during the dispersion did not surpass the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) 'immediately dangerous to life or health' value of 2,300ppm, but did exceed the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) excursion limit of 250ppm. Since methylene chloride is highly volatile (vapor pressure, 349mmHg at 20°C), the post-dispersion atmospheric concentration can rise instantaneously. Moreover, the o-chlorobenzylidenemalononitril e formulation of tear gas (CS gas) is an acute upper respiratory tract irritant. Therefore, tear gas mixtures should be handled with delicate care.
ISSN:2093-7911
2093-7997
DOI:10.5491/SHAW.2010.1.1.98