Pepper spray
Mirror of English Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
 |
| This article forms part of the series |
| (A subset of Weapons of mass destruction) |
| Lethal agents |
|---|
| Blood agents |
| Cyanogen chloride (CK) |
| Hydrogen cyanide (AC) |
| Blister agents |
| Lewisite (L) |
| Sulfur mustard gas (HD, H, HT, HL, HQ) |
| Nitrogen mustard gas (HN1, HN2, HN3) |
| Nerve agents |
| G-Agents |
| Tabun (GA), Sarin (GB) Soman (GD), Cyclosarin (GF) |
| V-Agents |
| VE, VG, VM, VX |
| Pulmonary agents |
| Chlorine |
| Chloropicrin (PS) |
| Phosgene (CG) |
| Diphosgene (DP) |
| Non-lethal agents |
| Incapacitating agents |
| Agent 15 (BZ) |
| KOLOKOL-1 |
| Riot control agents |
| Pepper spray (OC) |
| CS gas |
| CN gas |
| CR gas |
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. 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 concealed in a pocket or purse. Pepper spray can also be bought concealed in items such as rings.
Contents |
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]
Deactivation and first aid
Though there is no way of completely neutralising pepper spray, its effect can be minimised 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).
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. Police, most of whom do not carry firearms, are trained to use pepper spray and carry it as part of their standard compliment.
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 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 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 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 getting prosecuted.
See also
External links
- 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
