Interservice Nonlethal Individual Weapons Instructor Course (INIWIC) 1 Practice Test 2025 - Free Nonlethal Weapons Instructor Practice Questions and Study Guide

Chemical irritants like CS (tear gas) and OC (oleoresin capsicum, commonly known as pepper spray) are specifically designed to incapacitate individuals temporarily rather than cause lasting harm. The physiological effects they produce include temporary blindness and disorientation due to their irritating properties on mucous membranes, particularly in the eyes and respiratory tract.

When these irritants come into contact with the eyes, they can induce tearing and a burning sensation, leading to temporary blindness. The disorientation occurs because the irritation can provoke a natural fight or flight response, causing confusion and impaired coordination. This makes option C the correct choice, as it accurately reflects the intended nonlethal effects of these chemical agents on human subjects.

The other options describe effects that are either more severe or permanent, which are not characteristic of the effects produced by CS and OC. For example, permanent blindness and severe burns are associated with more serious forms of chemical exposure or physical trauma, while loss of consciousness is not a typical outcome of these irritants, which focus on temporary incapacitation.