Chemical irritant ammunition can be hand-thrown or weapon-launched. Weapon-launched grenades or cartridges can be fired from specialist less lethal launchers and shotguns. The ammunition can contain any kind of chemical irritant, and mixtures thereof, and may also include secondary effects such as dye, smoke, or impact projectiles. Some grenades or cartridges separate into two or more ‘submunitions’. Some grenades or cartridges contain an explosive charge to disperse powdered irritant, and some contain a pyrotechnic to disperse irritant smoke through burning.
Ammunition containing chemical irritants should never be fired at an individual due to the risk of injury from the metal or plastic ammunition cartridges.