Chemical/gas

Tear gas grenades are similar to smoke grenades in shape and operation. Tear gas, also known as a lachrymator agent (from Latin lacrima ‘tear’) is a chemical weapon that stimulates the nerves of the lacrimal gland in the eye to produce tears. In addition, it can cause severe eye and respiratory pain, skin irritation, bleeding, and blindness. Common lachrymators both currently and formerly used as tear gas include pepper spray, PAVA spray, CS gas, CR gas, CN gas, bromoacetone and xylyl bromide. While lachrymatory agents are commonly deployed for riot control by law enforcement and military personnel, its use in warfare is prohibited by various international treaties.