HAZMAT Technician Practice Exam

What are riot control agents commonly referred to as?

1. Tear gas

2. Smokes

3. Regulatory agents

4. Corrosive substances

The correct answer is: Tear gas

Riot control agents are commonly referred to as tear gas because this term describes the most widely used chemical agents, such as CS (ortho-chlorobenzalmalononitrile) and CN (chloroacetophenone), which cause temporary discomfort in the eyes and respiratory system. Tear gas is designed to incapacitate individuals by inducing tearing and severe irritation, making it effective for crowd control during riots or civil disturbances. The use of the term "tear gas" has become synonymous with riot control agents due to its prevalence in law enforcement and military applications. The name captures the primary effect of these agents—causing tearing and emotional distress—serving as a non-lethal means to disperse crowds. Other options, while they may relate to various substances or types of chemicals, do not accurately capture the specific nature of riot control agents. For example, "smokes" refers to a broader category of visual obscurants and is not specific to the irritant effects associated with tear gas. "Regulatory agents" do not pertain to the chemical agents used in crowd control and are more focused on oversight. "Corrosive substances" imply damage and destruction rather than the temporary incapacitation intended with riot control agents. Thus, the