A malodorant is a chemical compound whose extreme stench acts as a temporary
incapacitant
Non-lethal weapons, also called nonlethal weapons, less-lethal weapons, less-than-lethal weapons, non-deadly weapons, compliance weapons, or pain-inducing weapons are weapons intended to be less likely to kill a living target than conventional ...
. It attacks the olfactory and/or trigeminal nerves of the person introduced to the chemical. These compounds are usually composed of at least two ingredients: the malodorant compound and a carrier liquid. Malodorant compositions have a
toxicity category rating
In , the EPA established four Toxicity Categories for acute hazards of pesticide products, with "Category I" being the highest toxicity category ( toxicity class). Most human hazard, precautionary statements, and human personal protective equipme ...
of III or higher.
Compounds used as malodorants
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Organosulfur compounds
Organosulfur compounds are organic compounds that contain sulfur. They are often associated with foul odors, but many of the sweetest compounds known are organosulfur derivatives, e.g., saccharin. Nature abounds with organosulfur compounds—sulfur ...
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Skatole
Skatole or 3-methylindole is an organic compound belonging to the indole family. It occurs naturally in the feces of mammals and birds and is the primary contributor to fecal odor. In low concentrations, it has a flowery smell and is found in seve ...
,
an odor intensifier
Common responses to malodorant
* Immediate nausea
* Gagging/vomiting
* Various levels of discomfort
Weapon examples
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Dippel's oil Dippel's oil (sometimes referred to as bone oil) is a nitrogenous by-product of the destructive distillation of bones. A dark, viscous, tar-like liquid with an unpleasant smell, it is named after its inventor, Johann Konrad Dippel. The oil consists ...
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Skunk (weapon)
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Who Me
''Who Me'' was a top secret, sulfurous, non-lethal chemical weapon developed by the American Office of Strategic Services during World War II, to be used by the French Resistance against German officers. ''Who Me'' smelled strongly of fecal matte ...
See also
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Stink bomb
A stink bomb, sometimes called a stinkpot, is a device designed to create an unpleasant smell. They range in effectiveness from being used as simple pranks to military grade malodorants or riot control chemical agents.
History
A stink bomb ...
References
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Non-lethal weapons
Foul-smelling chemicals