Non-lethal weapons

Abstract

The weapons designed to disable or repel individuals without hurting them are known as nonlethal weapons (NLWs). NLWs of chemical origin, include calmatives, incapacitating agents (ICAs), and riot control agents (RCAs). RCAs are intended to cause severe irritation to the eyes, lungs, or skin to temporarily disable in a self-limiting manner. Rapid onset effect, short duration, and high safety ratio are the three traits that define RCAs. RCAs include diphenylaminochlorarsine (DM), ortho-chlorobenzylidene malononitrile (CS), chloroacetophenone (CN), dibenz[b,f]1,4-oxazepine (CR), bromobenzene cyanide (BBC or CA), bromacetone (BA), oleoresin capsicum (OC), and chloropicrin (PS). They fall under the categories of sternutators, vomiting inducers, and lacrimators. DM was banned in several countries. DM is a vomiting and breaking mask agent. CN induces more severe injuries than CS. Psychoactive drugs called calmative agents can cause anything from hallucinations to deep coma. ICAs are chemical substances that temporarily reduce the central nervous system's functionality and last for hours to days. Psychedelics, stimulants, depressants, deliriants, and psycho-chemical agents are different categories of ICAs. The mechanisms of action, clinical manifestations, and recommended treatment of these agents are reviewed.