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This is the oldest method of gas dispersion. A burning process is used to release the agent into the air in the form of a vapor. Combustion, Pyrotechnic designs, and functioning characteristics have changed little during the past 70 years. The shelf life, of pyrotechnic devices can be very limited, especially if stored where continuous heat and humidity are present. Leakage of the tear gas and the resultant gas odor is especially noticeable under poor storage conditions. Pyrotechnic devices start to deteriorate slowly at the time of loading. One M7 military type canister, containing 115 grams of CS, thrown into a small tunnel, would result in death of half of the individuals exposed in a period of just over two minutes. A burning-type grenade will also produce smoke, generate carbon monoxide (itself a deadly respiratory poison), and cause oxygen depletion in the atmosphere. In this situation, a mask will not offer a great deal of protection.
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