Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Standardized Awareness Practice Test

Disable ads (and more) with a membership for a one time $2.99 payment

Prepare for the FEMA Standardized Awareness Exam. Use multiple choice questions with hints and detailed explanations. Ensure success in your assessment with our comprehensive materials!

Each practice test/flash card set has 50 randomly selected questions from a bank of over 500. You'll get a new set of questions each time!

Practice this question and more.


What effect do riot control chemical agents typically have?

  1. Permanent blindness

  2. Temporary irritating effects

  3. Long-lasting psychological effects

  4. Severe respiratory damage

The correct answer is: Temporary irritating effects

Riot control chemical agents are specifically designed to produce temporary effects that can incapacitate individuals without causing permanent harm. They often work by irritating mucous membranes in the eyes, nose, and throat, leading to symptoms such as tearing, coughing, and difficulty breathing temporarily. This is why the correct answer focuses on the temporary irritating effects of these agents. While there may be rare instances where misuse or excessive exposure could lead to more serious consequences, the primary intent and typical outcome of these agents is to cause immediate but non-lethal discomfort to disperse crowds or restore order without long-term injury. It's important to understand that riot control agents are developed with the goal of safety and temporary control, distinguishing them from other substances that may cause permanent damage or long-lasting psychological effects.