What to know about 'less-lethal' weapons used by US police

 What to know about 'less-lethal' weapons used by US police

As we've been reporting, law enforcement officers in LA have been using what are often referred to as "less-lethal" weapons as a means to disperse protesters.

The term often refers to rounds like rubber bullets, sponge bullets and tear gas.

Here's a look at what these terms mean:

• Rubber bullets: These are projectile rounds fired from guns and feature a rubber coating around a metal core. Though described as "less-lethal", rubber bullets can cause significant injuries and even death
• Sponge bullets: Also known as sponge grenades, these projectiles are about 40mm (1.5 in) long and are made of foam. Like rubber bullets, these can cause serious injuries
• Tear gas: Often deployed by US law enforcement during unrest, tear gas is a chemical compound that causes irritation to the eyes, throat and lungs. Its effects are typically felt immediately

Source BBC