Pepper spray is usually used by law enforcement and improvement agencies across the United States. It is an aerosol spray that helps in controlling and arresting people whose behavior is violent or disobliging.
Individuals may also use it for self-defense against attacks by other people or animals.
In this article, you can find out what is in this spray, whether it is hazardous, and how to treat exposure to this spray?
Pepper Spray- What Is It?
The chemical that adds a spicy flavor to peppers is present in a high quantity in this spray to irritate the eyes. It is a lachrymatory agent which means that it irritates the eyes to produce tears.
Oleoresin capsicum is an oil which is the main component in this spray.
Capsaicin is an inflammatory compound in the oil. This is the same compound that put in the characteristic heat to chili peppers. Though, capsaicin is present in a much greater concentration in this spray.
The temperature of a bell pepper measures 0 on the Scoville Heat Units scale, which is used to measure the “heat” of peppers. A jalapeno pepper ranges up to 2,500 to 5,000 on the same scale.
The heat of pepper spray, however, ranges from 2 million units in commercial sprays, for use in self-defense, to 5.3 million units for police-issue spray.
Some Physical Effects of This Spray:
When a person comes into contact with this spray, their eyes will immediately shut down due to the irritation in their eyes.
They will experience a “bubbling” or “boiling” feeling, followed by temporary blindness and eye pain. These effects last from 30 to 45 minutes, depending upon how strong the spray solution is.
Pepper spray can also cause:
- burning in the throat
- wheezing
- dry cough
- shortness of breath
- gagging
- gasping
- the inability to breathe or speak
In unusual cases, it can cause cyanosis. Cyanosis is a bluish discoloration of the skin that shows a lack of blood flow and oxygen.
A study from the North Carolina Medical Journal declared that people who breathe in this pepper spray could experience acute hypertension or a sudden increase in blood pressure. Because of this, the risk of stroke or heart attack is increased.
Handling the Symptoms of This Spray:
Emergency medical technicians carry wipes and solutions that can handle the symptoms of this spray. People who come into contact with this spray should take immediate measures to alleviate the burning symptoms:
Conclusion:
Pepper spray is an efficient deterrent that can be hazardous when used in excess. It is available commercially for self-defense, but the sprays used by police are far more powerful. They are designed to take action against riots. Moreover, studies have revealed that inhaling the spray directly does not cause respiratory damage or a strangling effect.
So, if you are impressed with this spray and now are willing to own it, start searching for a trusted wholesale distributor online and get a quality spray product at a very reasonable price.
