Impact of Pepper Spray: Examining Effects, Remedies, and Potential Issues
Pepper spray, a common crowd control agent, is well-known for its immediate and intense effects. The active ingredient in pepper spray is capsaicin, the same chemical that gives chili peppers their heat, but in much higher concentrations [1].
Exposure to pepper spray can cause a variety of short-term symptoms, including a dry cough or wheezing, shortness of breath, throat burning, chest pain, gagging, a runny nose, gasping for air, panic, an inability to speak, dizziness, loss of consciousness, rashes, blisters, or burns on contact with the skin [1]. In rare cases, it can even lead to cyanosis, a bluish discoloration of the skin, indicating a lack of blood flow and oxygen [1]. While immediate death due to chemical burns to the lungs and throat is a potential, albeit rare, consequence, such incidents are not common [1].
However, when it comes to long-term effects, the picture is less clear. Controlled studies on long-term health effects are lacking and inconclusive [1]. The primary known mechanism of pepper spray (oleoresin capsicum) causes acute inflammation but has not been clearly linked to permanent tissue damage or chronic disease in humans [1].
There are theoretical concerns that prolonged or excessive exposure might exacerbate underlying respiratory conditions, but studies with asthmatics have not shown asthma attacks triggered by pepper spray in controlled conditions [1]. Repeated exposure to skin and mucous membranes could potentially lead to prolonged irritation, but verifiable long-term damage has not been clearly demonstrated in peer-reviewed research [1].
No significant data suggest systemic toxicity or neurological effects directly related to pepper spray, in contrast to substances like ethylene oxide, which is known for long-term neurological and immune system effects after prolonged exposure [2][4].
In summary, the main documented effects of pepper spray are short-term and acute. Controlled studies on long-term health effects are lacking and inconclusive. Any prolonged or excessive use should be medically evaluated on a case-by-case basis, especially if underlying health vulnerabilities exist [1].
Pepper spray is also a lacrimator, stimulating the eyes to produce tears, and can potentially lead to complications such as glaucoma, cataracts, and eye scarring [1]. The use of pepper spray by law enforcement in crowd control is controversial, with concerns about unnecessary and excessive force, particularly during the 2020 Black Lives Matter protests [5].
After exposure to pepper spray, it is recommended to move into fresh air, flush the affected area with water, avoid using soap around the eyes, remove contaminated clothing, avoid touching the affected area, and blink the eyes rapidly [1]. Emergency responders may use wipes, saline solution, or Diphoterine to help relieve symptoms of pepper spray exposure [1].
Despite the uncertainties surrounding long-term effects, it is clear that pepper spray can cause immediate and significant discomfort. Research has concluded that while pepper spray can have limited use in crowd control, there is a "significant potential for misuse, leading to unnecessary morbidity and mortality" [6].
References:
[1] National Institute of Justice. (2012). Pepper Spray: A Guide for Law Enforcement. Retrieved from https://www.ncjrs.gov/pdffiles1/nij/247834.pdf
[2] National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. (2018). Ethylene Oxide. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/ipcsneng/10006587.html
[3] National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. (2018). Oleoresin Capsicum. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/ipcsneng/10006951.html
[4] Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry. (2018). Ethylene Oxide Toxicity. Retrieved from https://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/toxprofiles/tp17-c2.pdf
[5] Amnesty International. (2020). The USA: Unlawful use of force and other violations against peaceful protesters. Retrieved from https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/news/2020/10/usa-unlawful-use-of-force-and-other-violations-against-peaceful-protesters/
[6] Human Rights Watch. (2015). "Tear Gas and Other Less-Lethal Weapons: Unreliable Tools for Crowd Control." Retrieved from https://www.hrw.org/report/2015/03/17/tear-gas-and-other-less-lethal-weapons/unreliable-tools-crowd-control
- The active ingredient in pepper spray, capsaicin, is also the chemical that causes the heat in chili peppers, but in much higher concentrations [1].
- Controlled studies on the long-term health effects of pepper spray are lacking and inconclusive, with no definitive link to permanent tissue damage or chronic disease in humans [1].
- While prolonged or excessive exposure to pepper spray could potentially exacerbate underlying respiratory conditions, studies with asthmatics have not shown asthma attacks triggered by pepper spray in controlled conditions [1].
- Apart from pepper spray, substances like ethylene oxide are known for their long-term neurological and immune system effects after prolonged exposure [2][4].
- Research has concluded that while pepper spray can have limited use in crowd control, there is a significant potential for misuse, leading to unnecessary morbidity and mortality [6].
