riot-control agent

Riot-control agents, commonly known as tear gas, are substances that irritate the eyes and mucous membranes, causing temporary discomfort and tears. While first used in World War I as chemical warfare, their short-lived effects led to their adoption by law enforcement for crowd dispersal and subduing suspects without lethal force.

The most frequent agents are synthetic organic halogen compounds, typically liquids or solids dispersed as sprays or in grenades. CN and CS are widely used. CN primarily affects the eyes, while CS is a stronger irritant affecting the respiratory tract as well, with effects subsiding within minutes of fresh air exposure. These agents are banned for warfare use by the Chemical Weapons Convention but are permitted for domestic law enforcement.12