The Effects of Oleoresin Capsicum

Oleoresin capsicum is the extract of chili peppers used in pepper spray as an alternative to weapons such as mace or tear gas. Oleoresin is the substance that gives peppers their characteristic burning sensation. Naturally occurring and relatively inexpensive to produce, oleoresin capsicum sprays are used by both law enforcement and individuals as a defensive weapon against muggings or assaults, vicious dogs and bear attacks.

• Oleoresin capsicum is made from hot peppers.

Characteristics

• Capsicum is the genus name for the pepper plant, which ranges from common black pepper through chilis such as jalapeno and habanero. These peppers contain capsaicin, the substance responsible for pepper's heat. The more capsaicin, the hotter the pepper. Oleoresin capsicum is the extract of dried pepper plants.

Effects on Skin

• Oleoresin capsicum irritates the skin and causes inflammation of the mucous membranes. Inflammation is almost instantaneous and painful when the pepper spray gets into the eyes, nose, mouth, or any open wounds, causing redness, swelling and tearing.

Respiratory Effects

• Breathing in oleoresin capsicum causes inflammation of the mouth, nose, and throat, resulting in coughing, gagging and shortness of breath.

Other Physical Effects

• The combination of pain, shortness of breath and tearing eyes renders both humans and animals helpless almost immediately, causing them to either flee or collapse, making it an effective deterrent.

Treatment

• The effects of oleoresin capsicum generally resolves quickly. The coughing and tearing that is the body's natural response to the irritant in pepper sprays effectively flushes it from the body. A sterile eye washing and flushing the effected area with water can help to hasten the relief of symptoms.