Pepper spray, made from hot cayenne peppers, contains oleoresin capsicum (OC) and is a non-lethal weapon that affects the mucous membranes, causing temporary blindness and difficulty breathing. It is effective against attackers, animals, and is carried by postmen and runners. Pepper spray is legally available in many places.
Pepper spray is a non-lethal weapon designed to spray an attacker in the face. It affects the mucous membranes, causing the capillaries of the eyes to dilate instantly up to temporary blindness. The tissues lining the bronchial tube also swell, making it difficult for the attacker to get extra oxygen. An explosion of spray affects the eyes, throat, nose and lungs, with effects lasting up to 90 minutes.
Because pepper spray is an inflammatory substance, it also affects those who may not register pain, such as psychotics, drug addicts, or intoxicated individuals. It is also effective against an attacking animal and is carried by many postmen. This advantage has become more relevant as newly developed neighborhoods encroach on rural lands, creating clashes between people and wildlife. Runners who hit rural trails near their homes can also benefit from carrying spray.
Pepper spray is made from hot cayenne peppers and contains an active ingredient called oleoresin capsicum (OC). Sprays made with 2-10% OC incapacitate faster than higher concentrations. Some sprays even include an indelible dye to mark the attacker.
Hot cayenne peppers, such as jalapenos, chiletpins and habaneros, are chili peppers. All of these peppers contain an alkaloid called capsaicin. Capsaicin is tasteless and odorless, but only 1 part in ten million can be detected by humans as heat.
Capsaicin is produced in a gland just below the stem of the pepper. This point is about 16 times stronger than any other part of the plant. The active ingredient in pepper spray is derived from this area.
The potency or calorific value of capsaicin is expressed in Scoville units, which can be determined through a test called high-performance liquid chromatography. While a pepper rates a zero on the heat scale, a jalapeno hits 8,000, and a habanero jumps to 350,000. Good pepper spray rates somewhere around 5,300,000 on the heat scale, beaten only by pure capsaicin at 16,000,000.
While this spray is an inflammatory agent, mace and tear gas are irritants and don’t fall under the same laws. Pepper spray is legally bought over the counter in many places and comes in containers of various sizes, some small enough to hang on a key ring. Individuals who have questions about the legality of this weapon in their area should contact their local police department.
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