Environmentally-Friendly Chili Hand Grenade

Photo courtesy: Wikipedia

Talk about creativity and environmental consciousness walking hand in hand. This is one of the thought provoking I have come across so far. First, the invention; then, the ethics.

The world's hottest chili, the bhut jolokia (also known as the 'ghost chili') is now the secret ingredient in the hand grenades being made for use in the war on terrorism. Indian defense officials have confirmed that the Indian military will be manufacturing hand grenades using the bhut jolokia chili pepper.

“The chili grenade has been found fit for use after trials in Indian defense laboratories, a fact confirmed by scientists at the Defense Research and Development Organization,” said Col. R. Kalia, a defense spokesman in the north-eastern state of Assam.

“This is definitely going to be an effective non-toxic weapon because its pungent smell can choke terrorists and force them out of their hideouts,” said R. B. Srivastava, the director of the Life Sciences Department at the New Delhi headquarters of the DRDO.

Just HOW hot is this chili? In 2007, Guiness World Records confirmed the ghost chili has more than 1,000,000 Scoville units. Scoville units are the measurement used to determine a chili's heat. Tabasco sauces range from 2,500 - 5,000 Scoville units; jalapeno peppers can be anywhere between 2,500 - 8,000 Scoville units.

The ethics - While this may be a temporarily agonizing situation for anyone hit by one of these grenades; apparently they are not lethal, they do not destroy the environment, they do not use chemicals that can harm millions, they do not affect generations to come like radioactive fallout does; and, again, they are not lethal.

While I am against causing people undue pain and suffering, at least this one is non-lethal, targetting only selected individuals; not, taking out an entire block, neighbourhood, city...

Thoughts, comments, ramblings?

Via Care2