Pepper spray
Pepper spray (also known as
OC spray (from "
Oleoresin Capsicum"),
OC gas, or
capsicum spray) is a
lachrymatory agent (a chemical compound that irritates the eyes to cause tears, pain, and even temporary blindness) that is used in
riot control, crowd control and personal
self-defense, including defense against dogs and bears. It is a
non-lethal agent that can be deadly in rare cases. The
American Civil Liberties Union claims to have documented fourteen fatalities from the use of pepper spray. The active ingredient in pepper spray is
capsaicin, which is a chemical derived from the fruit of plants in the
Capsicum genus, including
chillis. Long-term effects of pepper spray have not been effectively researched.
The HPLC (High Pressure Liquid Chromatography) method is used to measure the amount of capsaicin within pepper sprays.
Scoville Heat Unit (SHU) testing is also used to measure the hotness of pepper spray, but this is a subjective test which changes from person to person and does not measure the actual chemical percentage within the product.
A synthetic counterpart of pepper spray,
pelargonic acid morpholide, was developed and is widely used in
Russia. Its effectiveness compared to natural pepper spray is unclear and it has caused some injuries.
Pepper spray typically comes in
canisters, which are often small enough to be carried or
concealed in a
pocket or
purse. Pepper spray can also be bought concealed in items such as
rings.
Pepper spray is an inflammatory agent, not an irritant like
Mace. It causes immediate closing of the eyes and coughing. The length of the effects depend on the strength of the spray but the average full effect lasts around thirty to forty-five minutes, with mitigated effects lasting for hours.
The Journal of Investigative Ophthalmology and Visual Science published a study that concluded that single exposure of the eye to OC is harmless, but repeated exposure can result in long-lasting changes in
corneal sensitivity. They found no lasting decrease in
visual acuity.[
1]
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A demonstration of how pepper spray is used. |
Though there is no way of completely neutralising pepper spray, its effect can be minimized or stopped. As veteran
chili-eaters know, capsicum is not soluble in water, and even large volumes of it will have little to no effect. It is, however, soluble in
fats and
oils, and
detergents can be used to wash it off.
Victims should be encouraged to blink vigorously in order to encourage tears, which will help flush the irritant from the eyes. Some of the oil can be washed off the face using a degreasing, non-oily
soap such as a mild dish detergent, and a fan will provide some relief.
Some "triple-action" pepper sprays also contain "tear gas" (
CS gas), which can be neutralised with
sodium metabisulfite (
Campden tablets, used in
homebrewing), though it, too, is fat-soluble and could be washed off to a degree with milk, and some contain a UV "blanketing"
dye (little can be done against this, but its effects are not nearly as dramatic).
In the
United Kingdom, where it is classed as an offensive weapon, the sale and possession of pepper spray is illegal under section five of the Firearms Act. First time offenders are likely to receive a police caution.
Laws on Pepper Spray in the
United States of America differ between states.
*
Washington, D.C., possession of pepper spray must be registered with the DC Metropolitan Police.
*
Massachusetts, pepper spray can only be sold to holders of firearm identification cards.
In
Canada it is classified as a prohibited weapon. A number of dog and significantly stronger bear pepper sprays are legal to own. However, use of these items against humans will most likely result in the user being prosecuted.
In
Finland it is classified as a defensive weapon and possession of pepper spray requires a license. Issuing of licences is quite common however and most individuals without a criminal record are granted one.
In
Germany privately owned pepper spray may fall into two different categories. Sprays that bear the test mark of the
Materialprüfungsanstalt may be own and carried
solely for the purpose of defense against animals. Such sprays are not legally considered as weapons. Sprays that do not bear this test mark are classified as prohibited weapons. It is nevertheless strictly prohibited to carry pepper spray at (or on the way to and from)
demonstrations - notwhitstanding, if it bears a test mark or not.
In
Sweden it is classified as an offensive weapon and possession of pepper spray requires a license. As of
2006, no such license has been issued.
*
Riot control agent*
Chemical weapon*
Types of pepper spray*
US States Where Pepper Spray is Restricted for Purchase and Use*
Frequently asked questions concerning Pepper Spray and its use*
A history and chemical explanation of pepper spray*
Study of pepper spray (OC) combined with taser*
Concealed pepper spray*
Tips on buying a good pepper spray*
Self-Defense Sprays*
Pepper spray information*
Modern Defense Sprays - The Complete User Guide to Pepper Spray*
Information on Pepper Sprays, Mace and Tear Gas*
Pepper spray FAQ
