Riot control agents physiological effect

Riot-control agents—such as CS, CN, and CR—are solids. Edge-wood scientists felt that dissemination and decontamination would be simpler with a volatile liquid agent. Research led to the produc tlon and testing of l-methoxy-l,3,5-cycloheptatriene (CHT, EA 4923), a liquid substance of high volatility (Table 4-40) with physiologic effects typical of riot-control agents (e.g., lacrlmation, skin irrl tatlon, and mucous membrane irritation). 

Riot control agents such as CN are those that cause disabling physiological effects when they come into contact with the eyes or skin, or when inhaled. They have the capacity to cause intense sensory irritation of the skin and mucous membranes of the eye and respiratory tract. They are peripheral sensory irritants that pharmacologically interact with sensory nerve receptors in skin and mucosal surfaces at the site of contamination resulting in local pain and discomfort sensations with associated reflexes. The reflex associated with the inhalation exposure of irritants is the Kratschmer reflex. This reflex causes apnea, bradycardia, and a biphasic fall and rise in aortic blood pressure. 

Incapacitating Agent is an agent that produces temporary physiological or mental effects, or both, which will render individuals incapable of concerted effort. Effects do not terminate when removed from contact with the agent. Compare with Riot Control Agents. 

Convulsives and calmatives may rely on their toxic properties to have a physiological effect on humans. If that is the case, and these two NLWs (Non-Lethal Weapons) are not considered RCAs (Riot Control Agents), in order to avoid being classified as a prohibited chemical weapon, they would have to be used for the article I(9)(d) purpose not prohibited" the law enforcement purpose. As discussed... the limits of this purpose not prohibited are not clear and will be determined by the practice of states (emphasis added). 

Chemical Agent - Substance that is intended for use in military operations to kill, seriously injure or incapacitate people because of its physiological effects. Excluded from this definition are riot control agents, herbicides, smoke, and flame. 

Toxic ammunition contains chemical agents which, through their adverse physiological effects, are in use by military or law enforcement organizations to kill, injure, or incapacitate humans. Less powerful agents are used by the public for self-defense. While the use of lethal chemical agents like mustard gas and nerve agents to kill or maim has been banned by the Chemical Weapons Convention (COTC), the use of toxic chemicals as suppressive methods to control or subdue crowds and riots is widespread. 

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