Tear gas, pepper spray, and mace are types of?

Tear gas, pepper spray, and mace are classified as irritants because they primarily cause temporary physiological effects that lead to discomfort and distress. These agents work by irritating mucous membranes in the eyes, nose, and throat, resulting in symptoms such as tearing, coughing, and difficulty breathing. This classification is significant in understanding their use in crowd control and self-defense situations, as they are designed to incapacitate individuals without causing lasting harm.

In contrast, blistering agents cause severe tissue damage and are not categorized as irritants. Pathogens are biological agents that cause disease but are unrelated to the effects of tear gas and similar substances. Blood agents disrupt normal cellular function related to oxygen transport but do not share the same mechanism of irritation as tear gas, pepper spray, and mace. Hence, the classification as irritants accurately reflects the primary mode of action for these substances.