What are CS and mace commonly referred to as?

CS and mace are commonly referred to as irritants because they are chemical compounds that cause temporary discomfort and irritation to the eyes, respiratory system, and skin. CS, or 2-chlorobenzalmalononitrile, is a type of tear gas that is used for crowd control, causing tearing, pain, and difficulty breathing. Mace, which often contains a combination of CS and other irritants such as oleoresin capsicum (OC), also acts as a deterrent by causing similar irritative symptoms. Both substances are designed to incapacitate individuals temporarily without causing permanent harm, which aligns with their classification as irritants.

Blistering agents primarily refer to chemicals that cause severe chemical burns and blistering, choking agents target the respiratory system leading to suffocation, and toxins are substances that can cause harm or death when they are absorbed into the body. In contrast, irritants are meant to provoke an immediate and non-lethal reaction, making this classification most appropriate for CS and mace.