An Evaluation of the Relative Potential Public Health Concern for the Self-Defense Spray Active Ingredients Oleoresin Capsicum, o-Chlorobenzylidene Malononitrile, and 2-Chloroacetophenone

Pepper Spray Injury Severity: Ten-year Case Experience of a Poison Control System

“…The prevalence of severe symptoms of 6.8% seen in our study is consistent with the range (2.7-15%) observed in other epidemiological studies. 6,10,14,15 The severity of health effects from pepper spray exposures may be contingent on several product-, dispersal-, and patient-related factors. 3 Pepper spray products have varying capsaicin and capsaicinoid concentrations, as well as different solvents that serve as carrying or suspending agents.…”

“…The primary mechanism of action is believed to be via stimulation of sensory nerves mediated by the release of neural modulators such as substance P. 5 The use of OC-containing products has overtaken other lacrimators, such as chloroacetophenone (CN) and orthochlorobenzamalonitrile (CS), due to a perceived safer health profile. 6 However, the long-term health consequences and risk factors for humans exposed to pepper spray are poorly understood. There may be a risk of serious adverse events requiring medical care in exposures to pepper spray products.…”

“…[7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17] The prevalence of serious medical outcomes and requirement for medical evaluation in pepper spray exposures has ranged from 2.7 to 15%. 6,10,14,15 We reviewed human exposures to pepper spray reported to the California Poison Control System with the goal to determine the severity of pepper sprayrelated adverse health events. The prevalence of symptoms suggestive of tissue injury beyond transient irritation in persons exposed to pepper spray was a particular interest.…”

Thermal decomposition studies of riot control agent ω-chloroacetophenone (CN) by pyrolysis-gas chromatography–mass spectrometry

“…It is a riot control agent, harassing agent, lachrymatory agent, nonlethal or less than lethal agent and supplied to paramilitary and police forces in a small pressurized aerosol can known as "Mace" or tear gas [2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9]. It causes temporary incapacitation of the individual through intense irritation of tissues and the creation of a strong sensation of discomfort, including difficulty in breathing and pain, without causing long-term disability or death [10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17][18][19][20][21][22][23]. The incapacitating nature of this chemical has led to the development of dispersal devices to use it, either individually or in solutions combining several agents as an alternative to brutal force for individual protection, crowd control during civil disturbances, or rescuing hostages and to a lesser extent as chemical weapon on the battlefield [24,25].…”

Management of the effects of exposure to tear gas

“…7 Pepper strength is measured in Scoville heat units, ranging from zero for green pepper to 15 million units for pure capsaicin. 8 Pelargonic acid vanillylamide is a new standardised synthetic variant of oleoresin capsicum used mainly in Switzerland, Austria, and Germany. 6 7 How do riot control agents work?…”