Different types of chemicals are used in sprayers and ammunition used by law enforcement officals. They include:
- Tear gas: Tear gas is a colloquial term covering the chemicals CS (2-chlorobenzalmalononitrile), CR (2- chloroacetophenone), and CN (dibenzoxazepine). They are are all solids at room temperature, dissolved in solvents for use in sprayers or released as a fine powder in ammunition. CS is the most common form of tear gas but they are all lachrymatory agents (tear forming) and interact with sensory nerve receptors to produce discomfort, severe pain, itching, and burning, principally in the eyes, respiratory tract, and skin.
- Pepper spray: OC (Oleoresin Capsicum) is an oil at room temperature and is naturally derived from the capsicum species of plant (such as chili peppers). PAVA (Pelargonic Acid Vanillylamide) is a solid at room temperature, and is a synthetic version of OC. Both OC and PAVA are inflammatory agents, which interact with
sensory nerve receptors to produce discomfort, severe pain, and
itching or burning, principally in the eyes, respiratory tract, and skin. - Malodorants: These chemicals have a foul and, deeply unpleasant smell that smell can linger and be difficult to remove from clothing and furniture. It is not known what chemicals are used in malodorant devices, nor has there been independent research undertaken as to their effects on the people they are used against.