CO2 in Paintball

How Is CO2 Used in Paintball?

Paintball is a sport in which players compete, in teams or individually, to eliminate opponents by hitting them with capsules containing food coloring and gelatin (referred to as paintballs) propelled from a device called a paintball marker. Paintballs have a non-toxic, biodegradable, water soluble mineral-oil. These paintballs are propelled from the gun by CO2. Each gun is fitted to accept either canisters or cartridges of CO2. In the case of CO2 cartridges, they are inserted into the handle of the gun. CO2 canisters on the other hand are often mounted directly to the side of the gun. The game is regularly played at a sporting level with organized competition involving worldwide leagues, tournaments, professional teams, and players. Paintball technology is also used by military forces, law enforcement, para-military and security organizations to supplement military training, riot response, and non-lethal suppression of dangerous suspects.