7. Riot control agents Riot control agents (RCAs) are toxic chemicals designed to deter or disable, by producing temporary irritation of the eyes and upper respiratory tract. The most frequently used RCAs include CN or CS (commonly called tear gas) and OC/Pepper or PAVA (commonly called pepper spray). RCAs employed in law enforcement are normally delivered via hand-held aerosol sprays, hand-thrown grenades, weapon launched projectiles/grenades and water cannon. The development, possession, trade and use of RCAs is controlled to a certain extent under international arms control laws and associated national measures. Of particular importance is the Chemical Weapons Convention which prohibits the use of RCAs as a method of warfare, 318 but allows for their use in: “law enforcement including domestic riot control purposes” 319 provided the “type and quantities” of RCA employed is consistent with such purpose.320 The effects of particular RCAs vary from person to person, are dose dependent, and can be affected by environmental conditions (heat/humidity). Exposure can result in lacrimal tearing of the eyes, breathing difficulties/choking sensation, suffocation, chemical burns, vomiting, severe allergic reaction/blistering of the skin and in certain cases death. Certain vulnerable groups, including elderly people, children, pregnant women or people with existing respiratory problems, are often the worst affected. The medical concerns associated with RCAs vary depending on the means and location of delivery. When used in confined spaces or in conjunction with other types of equipment (e.g. mechanical restraints), there is an increased risk of death through asphyxiation or toxic poisoning. 7.1. Misuse of RCAs in CoE member States During 2012-2017, the CPT, PACE and Amnesty International have reported on the inappropriate use of riot control agents in Belgium321, Cyprus322, France, 323 Greece,324 318 Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), Convention on the Prohibition of the Development, Production, Stockpiling and Use of Chemical Weapons and on Their Destruction (Chemical Weapons Convention [CWC]), 1993, Article I.5. 319 OPCW, Chemical Weapons Convention (1993) op.cit., Article II.9. 320 OPCW, Chemical Weapons Convention (1993) op.cit., Article II.1.a. 321 CPT, Rapport au Gouvernement de la Belgique relatif à la visite effectuée en Belgique par le CPT du 24 Septembre au 4 Octobre 2013, 31 March 2016. 322 CPT (9 December 2014) op.cit.. 323 Amnesty International, EUR 21/6104/2017 (2017) op.cit.; Cragg, S. and Mellon, G./BHRC(July 2016) op.cit., paragraph 72. 324 Amnesty International (23 February 2016) op.cit., p.169. 61