CR (dibenz b, f-1, 4-oxazepine)
In 1974, the US Army approved the use of CR (dibenz (b, f-1, 4-oxazepine) in riot control situations. CR has a stronger harassing action than CS. In addition, the toxicity of CR is lower than that of CS. CR was not used in its pure form (a yellow powder), but was dissolved in a solution of 80 percent propylene glycol and 20 percent water to form a 0.1 percent CR solution. As a solution, the operational flexibility of CR increases since it can be dispersed on the target areas as a liquid rather than as an aerosol cloud. CR is a highly potent irritant that affects the eyes, respiratory tract, and exposed skin. Eye pain, discomfort, and excessive tearing occur with sometimes painful sensitivity to strong light. Nasal irritation, coughing, sneezing, and nasal drip also occur. Exposure of the skin to CR results in a stinging or burning sensation with increased irritation on moist skin. Sometimes these symptoms are accompanied by nausea and vomiting, and can persist from 15 to 30 minutes. Severity of symptoms increases with the CR solution concentration in an environment of high temperature and humidity.
CR is quite persistent in the environment. The CR solution provides effective wetting and spreading of this agent on all surfaces. It does not degrade in water and can be considered as persistent or more persistent than CS2. Under suitable conditions, CR can persist on certain surfaces (especially porous material) for up to 60 days.
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