Counterfeit Pepper Spray: A Case Report

Abstract

Pepper spray is one of the less lethal instruments used by law enforcement agencies around the world.Basically, pepper spray is composed of the active ingredient, a carrier solvent and a propellant. The purpose of pepper spray, a non-lethal weapon, is to brie y incapacitate and restrain an individual, without causing permanent damage. Therefore, the presence of hazardous substances is undesirable. Pepper sprays con scated by the Brazilian federal police were analyzed to identify their ingredients. This analysis indicated several discrepancies between the ndings and product labels, ammable gases (used as propellant), and of greatest concern, methanol ( ammable and highly toxic) as a carrier solvent. Therefore, this investigation revealed the serious risk of low quality pepper spray causing damage to both users and other people subjected to its effects.