riot control agents

riot control agents,

agents normally used for crowd control; including the compounds chloroacetophenone, chlorobenzylidenemalononitrile, chloropicrin, bromobenzylcyanide, and benzoxazepine. They are used as liquids or aerosols and exposure is by inhalation or by contact with the eyes or skin. They incapacitate by irritating the area of contact and cause irritation of the skin and mucous membranes and respiratory distress. High doses can cause blindness and death. Treatment is by removal of clothing and removing the agent from the skin and eyes. Effects cease shortly after the agent is removed. Also called tear gas.