Blast ball

A blast ball, also known as a tear gas ball, rubber ball grenade, sting ball grenade, or stinger grenade, is a ball-shaped, rubber coated, non-lethal grenade designed for law enforcement and riot control applications. A blast ball is similar to a stun grenade in that, when detonated, it generates a loud noise and bright light; it also releases a chemical irritant (usually pepper gas or tear gas) and sometimes also rubber pellets or fragments. Blast balls are often used by riot police to keep protestors back or separate "casual" rioters from "hardcore" instigators. They can also be used by police tactical units in close-quarters combat to incapacitate suspects as a less-lethal and less-destructive alternative to actual grenades, which are generally not used by civilian law enforcement. The use of blast balls in riot control is controversial. Proponents argue they are less harmful than traditional riot control agents or physical force, while opponents argue they are used indiscriminately and are capable of harm.