Tear gas: Effects and what it does to the human body

A plain-clothed police officer fires teargas to disperse Azimio la Umoja supporters during anti-government protests in Nairobi on March 20, 2023. [Stafford Ondego, Standard]

Types of tear gas

1. Several different compounds are considered to be riot control agents. The most common compounds are:
2. Chloroacetophenone (CN)
3. Chlorobenzylidenemalononitrile (CS).
4. Others include chloropicrin (PS), which is also used as a fumigant (that is, a substance that uses fumes to disinfect an area);
5. Bromobenzylcyanide (CA);
6. Dibenzoxazepine (CR) and combinations of various agents.

Use of tear gas in crowd control

1. The amount of tear gas used depends on the nature of the riot.
2. Police officers are usually given a certain...