Tear gas and other less-than-lethal weapons have been used to disperse protesters across the country in the wake of George Floyd’s death in Minneapolis.

And though rubber bullets are not considered live ammunition, according to a 2020 University of California-Berkeley-led study, they can cause death. People can also suffer severe bodily harm if hit at close range.

What You Need To Know


  • Tear gas and pepper spray are made from irritants like capsicum oil and chloroacetophenone, or CN gas

  • Studies find that these tactics can cause injuries, maiming, and even death

  • Tear gas has been banned in warfare, but can legally be used for civilian crowd control

“I think it’s important for people to understand that just because something is called less than lethal, that doesn’t mean that it can’t have significant side effects and injuries,” said Robert Griffin, dean of the College of Emergency Preparedness, Homeland Security and Cybersecurity at the University at Albany.

“When you see something as cavalier as ... the use of these chemicals around Lafayette Square so the president can come out and take a walk across the street, that has significant health implications on people.”

So what are rubber bullets made of? They can contain anything from PVC, foam, hard plastics, and in some cases, metal.

“The intent of the bullet is not necessarily to kill, but it’s not intended to give a ‘love tap,’ ” said Griffin.

Tear gas and pepper spray are made from irritants like capsicum oil and chloroacetophenone, or CN gas.

“Put your head over four or five chopped onions. That’s one way to understand what people are going through when they get hit with this,” said Griffin.

Tear gas was originally deployed on the battlefield of war, but has since been banned by international law. It soon, however, became the go-to weapon for civilian crowd control.

Non-protesters at rallies have also felt the impact.

Albany police used both tear gas and rubber bullets Monday night after some demonstrators hurled fireworks toward officers. Ward 15 Common Councilor Tom Hoey was one of those caught up in the scramble.

“I've never felt anything like this before. I dropped to the ground,” said Hoey.

Griffin adds there is a compounded risk of using tear gas during a pandemic.

“You’re talking about chemicals that are purposely designed to impact the lungs and respiratory system and the nasal passages, and at the same time, we have a pandemic [that’s] trying to do the same thing,” said Griffin.

He said there are other alternatives, like dispersal tactics that use heat, sound, or even smell.