|  | Public Health Safety | Community

Pepper Spray Effect on Your Health

Pepper spray's formal name is Oleoresin Capsicum, a chemical compound made from capsicum, a flavoring component of chili peppers. It is also used in foods. The spray is considered non-lethal, although one in about 600 cases involving police using it on a person led to a fatally. However, the exact causes of these deaths have not be determined and only resulted following exposure.

  1. Documented Deaths

    • The American Civil Liberties Union reported there are 27 documented cases since 1993 of individuals dying following exposure to pepper spray by police officers, although the Los Angeles Times reports that number may be as high as 61.

    Effects

    • The inflammatory nature of pepper spray causes breathing difficulties, coughing, running nose and involuntary closing of the eyes.

    Length of Effects

    • The full effect of a spray in the face can last up to 45 minutes, and it can't be washed away with water.

    No Lingering Harm

    • Some medical studies have found that a one-time exposure incident has no negative health effects, and exposure to the eyes has no long-term effects on vision.

    A Caveat

    • The U.S. Army conducted a 1993 study that found that pepper spray could create "carcinogenic effects" and "cardiovascular and pulmonary toxicity."

    Additional Conditions

    • People suffering from asthma, who have taken drugs or who were physically restrained by police and had their breathing was impaired have a higher risk of death if coming in contact with pepper spray.

Community - Related Articles