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 chiles. 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 analogue of capsaicin, pelargonic acid vanillylamide (desmethyldihydrocapsaicin), is used in another version of pepper spray known as PAVA spray which is used in England. Another 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.
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Contents
- 1 Effects
- 2 Deactivation and first aid
- 3 Legality
- 4 See also
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Effects
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]
Some people are in fact immune to its effects. The reasons for this are unknown.citation needed]
Deactivation and first aid
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 water 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).
Legality
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 many (but not all) other states, pepper spray can be purchased at various stores and carried legally by anyone over 18.
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 device governed by the firearm act and possession of pepper spray requires a license. Licenses are issued for defensive purposes and to individuals working job where such a device is needed such as the private security sector. Government organisations such as defence forces and police are exempt. Concentrations are also limited to 5% active ingredient in OC sprays and 2%/2% in combinations sprays such as CN/OC.
In Germany privately owned pepper spray may fall into two different categories. Sprays that bear the test mark of the Materialprüfungsanstalt may be owned 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 - whether 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.
In Australia it is classified as a prohibited weapon, and it is illegal for anyone other than police officers to carry a capsicum spray.
In the Russian Federation pepper spray is a fully legal self-defence weapon and can be bought without licence by any person over the age of 18 (passport being required for purchase). Its effect on animals is advertised as additional feature, compared with tear gas sprays. It is prohibited to carry it at demonstrations.
In Poland pepper spray is not classified as a weapon, so it is available to anyone over 18.
See also
- Riot control agent
- Chemical weapon
Categories: Articles with unsourced statements | Chemical weapons | Less-lethal weapons | Riot control agents
