Tear Gas

Tear gas (typically chlorobenzylidenemalononitrile (CS), chloroacetophenone (CN) or dibenzoxazepine (CR) is quite commonly used by law enforcement for crowd control/dispersion. Of these usual types, CN is the more toxic in it's lingering impact and generally referred to as “Mace”. CS is a stronger irritant, but the effects wear off quicker (typically up to 15 minutes), while CR is more common in the UK and is more effective, yet less toxic than CS.

Despite the name, tear gas is technically *not* an actual gas but usually a solid or liquid depending on which particular chemical is used, it's intended method of deployment and container. These containers can vary and can be in the form of a full sized canister for dispersion by hand, grenades for throwing, or shells for firing from a launcher. All chemical forms of these substances cause irritation to the mucous membranes in the eyes, nose, throat and lungs. A stinging or burning sensation produced by contact/inhalation of either can produce excessive eye watering and irritation, coughing, shortness of breath if inhaled into the lungs.