What are incapacitating agents and how do they work?

This paragraph introduces a discussion on incapacitating agents, focusing on Agent 15, also known as BZ or EA-2277, tested at the Edgewood Arsenal. BZ, an antagonist of muscarinic acetylcholine receptors, causes anticholinergic toxidrome with psychological and physiological effects, leading to delirium and incapacitation. It was invented in 1951 and investigated by the U.S. military alongside other substances like LSD, THC, ketamine, and PCP for non-lethal purposes. BZ was weaponized but never used in combat and was destroyed in 1989. The paragraph also touches on the Edgewood Arsenal experiments involving human test subjects and the long-term consequences of these chemicals, concluding that BZ is extremely effective but discontinued due to the fear of chemical weapon use.

The second paragraph delves into EA-2233, known as DMHP, a THC analog with long-lasting effects and chiral centers that may influence potency. It was considered a promising non-lethal incapacitating agent but was abandoned due to a narrower therapeutic index compared to BZ. The paragraph then discusses PAVA, or Nonivamide, a capsaicinoid used in pepper sprays for self-defense and crowd control. PAVA is effective but breaks down easily in the body, making it less lethal. It is commonly used and thus placed in the S-tier of effectiveness.

This section examines various riot control agents, including GHB, a naturally occurring neurotransmitter used recreationally and as a 'date rape' drug, which is less potent when dispersed in the air. Phenacyl chloride, or CN, targets the TRPA1 receptor but has been replaced by CS gas due to toxicity concerns. Chloroform, a traditional incapacitating agent, is weak and requires significant exposure to be effective. Xylyl bromide, used in WWI, is an irritant and lachrymator but had limited success in battle. Each agent is evaluated based on its potency, method of dispersion, and historical use.

The fourth paragraph discusses capsaicin, the molecule responsible for chili peppers' spiciness, and its use in self-defense due to its irritant properties. It also covers CS gas, a component of tear gas developed at Edgewood Arsenal, which causes severe eye irritation, coughing, and disorientation. Despite claims of non-toxicity, CS gas can cause pulmonary and internal organ damage. It is actively used in tear gas and is considered an S-tier incapacitating agent.

This section explores unconventional incapacitating agents like ethanol, which can induce incapacitation through consumption but requires large amounts and lacks the potency of other agents. It also mentions 'sneeze mace,' a compound causing intense sneezing, which, while not a traditional incapacitant, could theoretically incapacitate through extreme discomfort. Ethanol is placed in the E-tier, while the sneezing agent's effectiveness is acknowledged but not ranked.

The sixth paragraph examines CR gas, a lachrymator developed by the British Ministry of Defense, which is significantly more potent than CS gas. It also discusses LSD, a psychedelic with a history of military experimentation at Edgewood Arsenal. LSD, as an incapacitating agent, requires close contact for exposure but has a high potency and long-lasting effects, placing it in the B-tier.

This section covers medical anesthetics like Halothane and Adamsite, which can incapacitate but are not typically used for riot control due to their requirement of direct contact or inhalation. Halothane is an ozone depleter with hepatotoxic side effects, while Adamsite, containing arsenic, was historically used in riot control, causing violent vomiting. Both are considered less effective for non-medical incapacitation purposes.

The final paragraph discusses Carfentanil, a potent opioid used in large animal anesthesia and, controversially, as an aerosol incapacitant in the Moscow theater hostage crisis. Rohypnol, or roofies, is a benzodiazepine notorious for causing memory loss and is often associated with date rape. Both substances are highly effective incapacitants but carry significant risks, including overdose and death.

This section examines Propofol, known as 'milk of amnesia,' used for inducing general anesthesia and known for causing memory loss. It is effective but requires IV administration, limiting its practicality as an incapacitant. Chloroacetone, a simple chemical used in WWI as tear gas, causes eye pain and irritation. Despite its simplicity and availability, it is considered an A-tier incapacitating agent due to its potential for easy access and use.

The paragraph explores DIM (Diimine), an obscure riot control agent mentioned in a 'spooky book,' and BBC (Bromo Benzyl Cyanide), a lachrymator used in WWI with a pungent odor and sweet taste. Both agents are considered effective, with DIM having a moderate effectiveness rating and BBC being highly potent but toxic, leading to reduced use in favor of safer alternatives like CS gas.

The concluding paragraph discusses chloropicrin, a broad-spectrum antimicrobial agent that is also a potent riot control agent causing eye, throat, and skin irritation, as well as vomiting. It is so irritating that its use in riot control has been banned by most agencies. The paragraph also explains how tear gases work by targeting the TRPA1 receptor, known as the wasabi receptor, causing extreme discomfort. Chloropicrin is placed in the S-tier due to its severe effects.