The use of the chemical agent to disperse crowds has come under criticism lately.
The use of tear gas to disperse crowds has come under criticism again as demonstrators nationwide continue protesting systematic racism and police brutality following the death of George Floyd.
Top health experts have warned that using the chemical agent could help the coronavirus spread because it irritates the lungs and makes people cough. And organizations such as the American Civil Liberties Union have pointed out that the chemical agent is banned in war.
If tear gas is banned on the battlefield, why then can law enforcement use tear gas on civilians at home? Here’s what to know.
What tear gas is
First off, it’s important to understand what exactly tear gas is.
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Tear gas, also referred to as a riot control agent, is a chemical compound that can render people temporarily unable to function by irritating the eyes, nose, mouth, lungs and skin, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The two most common riot control agents are chloroacetophenone (CN) and chlorobenzylidenemalononitrile (CS), the CDC says.
Tear gas: Prepare for what to do if you’re exposed
Despite its name, tear gas actually comes in a powdery solid form.
