The Hong Kong police raise a banner warning of "tear smoke" when they're about to fire, and this is a much less confusing name for the stuff than tear gas. A cartridge of something hot and smoking skitters at your feet. You can throw it back, or douse it with water, or immerse it in water, but you'll burn your hand if you don't have gloves on. The smoke is a powerful irritant that feels like someone blew pepper into…
What is interesting is observing theearning curve of the protest participants, who rapidly learn and adapt, but always seem initially underprepared.