Mace, chemical spray device used by police in riot control. Mace is ordinary tear gas (chloroacetophenone, or CN) in a volatile solvent contained in a spray can. It causes severe lacrimation and temporary blindness. If sprayed directly into the face from a distance of less than 6 ft (1.8 m), it may cause permanent injury.
The Columbia Electronic Encyclopedia, 6th ed. Copyright © 2012, Columbia University Press. All rights reserved.