What is a chemical agent defined as?

A chemical agent is defined as a substance specifically designed for use in military operations. This encompasses various types of chemicals that can be employed for offensive or defensive purposes on the battlefield, including chemical warfare agents that can incapacitate or harm enemy forces. These agents are regulated due to their potential for mass destruction and effects on both human populations and the environment.

The context in which chemical agents are primarily referenced is military conflict and defense, highlighting their intended purpose in combat scenarios rather than in law enforcement or homeland security functions. While law enforcement may use non-lethal chemical agents for crowd control, the specific definition that aligns with the context of military operations focuses on the broader implications and potential uses of chemical agents in warfare.