Lacrimators, also known as tear gas, are chemical compounds used for riot control and self-defense. These substances cause temporary discomfort and irritation to the eyes, skin, and respiratory system, leading to tearing, coughing, and difficulty breathing. The primary purpose of lacrimators is to disperse crowds or stop attackers without causing permanent harm.
One of the most common forms of tear gas is CS gas, which is a white crystalline solid that is dispersed in the air as a fine powder or aerosol. When inhaled, CS gas irritates the mucous membranes of the eyes, nose, throat, and lungs, causing a burning sensation and tearing. It is often used by law enforcement agencies to control riots or disperse violent crowds.
Although tear gas is considered non-lethal, its use has been controversial due to the potential for misuse and abuse by authorities. Some studies have shown that tear gas can cause long-term health effects, especially in children, the elderly, and individuals with pre-existing respiratory conditions. As a result, there have been calls to ban or restrict the use of tear gas in crowd control situations.