Tear gases are irritants –– they irritate mucous membranes in the eyes, nose, mouth and lungs, and cause watering of eyes, sneezing, coughing, etc. There are three kinds of tear gases used:
- CS (chlorobenzylidenemalononitrile)
- CN (chloroacetophenone) –– often sold as Mace
- Pepper spray –– made from chilies mixed with corn oil
Pepper spray is an inflammatory agent that causes inflammation in the eyes, nose and mouth. Its effect is more debilitating than that of the others, but you have to hit someone with it directly for it to be effective. This makes it more useful for self-defense against an individual.
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