Tear gas

High school (ages 12+)
Science & Technology

Name:

Date:

Step 1 · Read the article

Open the article and read it at the level above. Then answer the questions below in your own words.

https://smallwhale.org/articles/tear-gas

Write what each word means, using the article.

Do not copy the article. Write two things you learned, the way you would explain them to a friend.

Answers below are taken from the article’s stored facts, so they match what the student read.

1. What is the chemical classification?Lachrymatory agent
2. What is the key agents?CS gas, OC spray (pepper spray), CN gas, CR gas
3. What is tear gas and why does it make my eyes water?Tear gas is a chemical that irritates the eyes, making the tear glands produce lots of tears to flush out the irritant. It also can make you cough and feel a burning sensation.
4. Why do police use tear gas instead of other methods?Police use tear gas because it can temporarily stop people from moving or shouting without causing serious injury. It is considered less deadly than older chemical weapons.

Lachrymatory agent: A chemical compound that irritates the eyes and causes tearing.
TRPV1 channels: Sensory receptors in nerve cells that detect heat and painful stimuli, activated by capsaicinoids and CS gas.
Riot control: The use of tactics and equipment by law enforcement to manage and disperse unlawful public gatherings.
Chemical Weapons Convention: An international treaty that prohibits the development, production, stockpiling, and use of chemical weapons.