Self-defense spray

It is interesting to note that most of our modern uses of chili peppers are preceded by ancient Mesoamericans. Capsaicin, the active chemical constituent, is used today as an irritant in self-defense sprays, and dried chilis were burned by the Inca to blind the invading Spaniards. Just as we apply capsaicin for analgesia, native Americans used to rub chili on the gums to relieve the pain of a toothache. Eunuchs serving Chinese Emperors were castrated after hot pepper extracts were chronically applied to their scrotums. 

Recer, G.M., Johnson, T.B., and Gleason, A.K., An evaluation of the relative potential public health concern for the self-defense spray active ingredients oleoresin capsicum, o-chlorobenzylidene malononitrile, and 2-chloroacetophenone, Regul. Toxicol. Pharmacol., 36, 1-11, 2002. 

Products and Uses Currently popular chemical in topical arthritis medications, spicy seasonings, and self-defense sprays. This is the substance that makes chili peppers hot. 

Self-defense spray, aerosol, see Ammunition, Toxic, p.l9... 

Self-defense spray is sold in small aerosols and other devices for self-defense. The chemical agent employed is often capsaicin (404-86-4), the oleoresin extracted from cayenne peppers Capisicum annum), hence pepper spray. Aerosol products contain 10 to 15% capsaicin. It is an inflammatory which causes temporary blindness and restricted breathing for up to 45 minutes. Self-defense sprays may come as key rings, or be disguised as flashlights or fountain pens, and be used against wildlife in addition to human offenders. Mace is also used in some self-defense sprays. 

Self-defense spray means an aerosol or non-pressurized device that (1) Is intended to have an irritating or incapacitating effect on a person or animal and (2) Meets no hazard criteria other than for Class 9 (for example, a pepper spray see 173.140(a) of this subchapter) and, for an aerosol. Division 2.1 or 2.2 (see 173.115 of this subchapter), except that it may contain not more than two percent by mass of a tear gas substance (e.g., chloroacetophenone (CN) or 0-chlorobenzylmalo[no]nitrile (CS) see 173.132(a)(2) of this subchapter.) US 171.8... 

Pameix-Spake A, Theisen A, Roujeau JC, et al. 1993. Severe cutaneous reactions to self defense sprays. Archives of Dermatology 129 913. 

Capsaicin (cap-say -i-sin). Also called capsicum, capsaicin is the main ingredient found in many hot peppers (Figure 6.2) and spices such as paprika and cayenne pepper. Capsaicin is also the active ingredient in self-defense products such as pepper spray. Capsaicin directly activates nociceptors located on nerve fibers, and thus it would seem to be counterproductive (if not crazy) to apply such a substance on a wound to relieve pain. However, it turns out that capsaicin creams, gels, and lotions are indeed effective pain relievers and counterirritants when applied topically to the skin. 

CN is a crystalline solid with a strong, pungent odor (see Figure 12.3). It is dispersed as a smoke, powder, or liquid formulation from grenades or other devices. It is perhaps better known under the trade name Chemical Mace and was once used widely for self-protection. It was also the standard tear gas used by the military (Figure 12.4) and police personnel. It has been replaced in favor of the less toxic CS for riot control and capsaicin pepper spray for self-defense. 

In children, capsaicin spray was demonstrated to cause a severe bronchospasm and pulmonary edema (Winograd, 1977 Bdlmire et al, 1996). In the Billmire study, a 4-week-old infant was exposed to 5% pepper spray after discharge from a self-defense device. The infant suffered respiratory failure and hypoxemia, requiring immediate extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. Inhaled capsaicin causes an immediate increase in airway resistance (Fuller, 1991). This dose-dependent bronchoconstriction after capsaicin inhalation in humans is the same as that demonstrated in asthmatics and smokers (Fuller et al, 1985). The capsaicin-induced bronchoconstriction and release of substance P is due to stimulation of nonmyelinated afferent C-fibers. 

OC has been incorporated into a variety of formulations and marketed as pepper gas, pepper mace, and pepper spray for self-defense, criminal incapacitation, law enforcement, and riot control purposes. It has also been formulated in combination with CS and CN for the same purposes. OC exposure induces involuntary closing of the eyes and lacrimation. It also causes respiratory related effects such as severe coughing and sneezing, nasal irritation, bronchoconstriction, and shortness of breath. It causes burning sensations of the skin and loss of motor control. As a result, many exposed individuals can be easily... 

Another tear gas, probably of most common use or abuse is the pepper spray or Oleoresin Capsicum (Agent OC) or capsicum spray. It has an odor of red pepper. Its chemical name is N-[(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl) methyl]-6-noxenamide. It is used by police force for crowd control and by many people for their personal self-defense and abused for robbery and attacks. This compound is derived from cayenne peppers. Its toxicity is relatively low and the compound is non-lethal. However, there are a very few unconfirmed reports of fatalities from heavy exposnres to this substance. The effects from pepper spray are mostly inflammation of eyes, cansing immediate closing of eyes and conghing. Moderate to heavy exposures, however, can canse temporary blindness and may affect breathing when sprayed on the face. Its effects may last for a dnration of 30 to 60 minntes. 

Products and Uses A spray and aerosol tear gas used as a riot control agent and in self-defense products. 

Cardio-respiratory arrests, seizures, and subsequent death of an 8-month-old infant was associated with the administration of a tea prepared liom powdered red pepper. The safety of pepper sprays that contain high amounts of capsaicinoids for use in riot control and self-defense products is contro-versial and is associated with death and respiratory failure in animals and people. Inhalation exposure of rats to capsaicinoids resulted in acute respiratory inflammation and dose-related damage to alveolar, bronchial, nasal and tracheal cells, and death of respiratory epithelial cells. ... 

Others. The oleoresin of the fruit is used in spray-delivered riot control and self-defense products (pepper sprays). 

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