How does pepper spray work?

Question

I need a good answer- i need it for a paper im writing

Answer 1

The hot part of red peppers is used as an irritant.
The spray causes burning in the eyes and skin
(we were instructed not to spray directly into the eyes,
the vapors will carry up to the eyes when you spray
lower on the body).
It causes a feeling of panic, tightness in the chest, in addition
to the burning in the eyes, crying and tears. All of which help to stop the person from attacking you or someone else.
The irritation is not harmful long-term, but it makes them want
to pick up their toys and go home, (well, actually they just want
to leave and not even pick up their toys).
I NEVER had it fail me in a situation, it always worked well enough to get the person handcuffed even when they were
previously intent on hitting other police officers or me.
It also works on dogs that have decided you are what's for dinner instead of beef.
I actually had a guy apologize after he got sprayed when he persisted in trying to start a fight with another drunk person in a parking lot. He said "man, that stuff burns, I didn't want you to spray me with that, I just wanted to figtht that guy!"
So, long story short, I left law enforcement before the taser made its way to my department, but pepper spray been berry , berry good to me!

Answer 2

Pepper spray, (Oleoresin Capsicum) is a natural chemical that irritates the eyes to cause tears, and pain. It inflames the mucas membranes in the throat and nose. The active ingredient in pepper spray is capsaicin, which is a chemical derived from chiles or peppers.


Pepper spray is an inflammatory agent, not an irritant like Mace. It causes immediate closing of the eyes and coughing. The length of the effects depend on the strength of the spray but the average full effect lasts around thirty to forty-five minutes, with mitigated effects lasting for hours.

Answer 3

To make pepper spray they take the ingredient that occurs naturally in hot peppers and they put it in super concentrated doses, many hundreds of times more concentrated than you will find in any hot pepper, and then they put it in a spray with other inert ingredients. The chemical is called capsaicin. (Pronounced "cap-say-uh-sin." Also sometimes called "capsicum" although I don't know why.)

When you spray somebody with it, the capsaicin gets in the mucous membranes in the mouth, nose, eyes, and/or respiratory tract, and causes a severe painful and debilitating reaction. Think of the last time you took a jabanero pepper and chomped on it whole... (Don't tell me you've never been stupid enough to try the hottest pepper on the planet! I thought we all had.) Now multiply that sensation by about 1,000 and you can see why this stuff is so potent.

Answer 4

It is created from extracts of the habenero pepper I believe. If not that one, then one of the fairly hot peppers. That is the reason for its appeal, it is a natural product, unlike mace. When sprayed, it causes serious burning/ irritation. The perps eyes tear up, as well as close automatically. It basically incapacitates the person without actually hurting them in any substantial way. Giving you time to either get away, or arrest the person.

All law enforcement personnel, to my knowledge go through pepper spray classes. They are also sprayed with pepper spray as part of the class. This it to give them first hand knowledge of what happens when you are sprayed.

Law Enforcement officers who are now issued tazers also go through a class, and are "tazed" as well. I'm in no rush to get issued one at this point. It is another tool used to incapacitate without truly harming the perp.

Answer 5

PEPPER SPRAY

The spray is an organically based inflammatory agent derived from the essence of cayenne peppers. Its ingredients are generally 90 to 95 percent inert, making it safe for use at very close range.


Effects

Pepper spray results in considerable tearing of the eyes, as well as temporary paralysis of the larynx, which causes subjects to lose their breath. Contact with the face causes a strong burning sensation.
After being exposed to the spray, subjects' reactions become reflexive in nature. They immediately cover their eyes and bend over into a defensive posture to avoid further contact. This reactive behavior allows officers to gain control and restrain disorderly subjects more effectively. The effects of the spray generally last about 20 to 45 minutes and leave no residual effects.

http://science.howstuffworks.com/framed.htm?parent=question340.htm&url=http://www.emergency.com/pprspry.htm

Read
PEPPER SPRAY: WHAT IS IT AND HOW DOES IT WORK
http://www.selfdefenseresource.com/equipment/articles/pepper-spray-what-is.php

Answer 6

Pepper spray (also known as OC spray (from "Oleoresin Capsicum"), OC gas, or capsicum spray) is a lachrymatory agent (a chemical compound that irritates the eyes to cause tears, pain, and even temporary blindness) that is used in riot control, crowd control and personal self-defense, including defense against dogs and bears. It is a non-lethal agent that can be deadly in rare cases - the American Civil Liberties Union claims to have documented fourteen fatalities from the use of pepper spray. The active ingredient in pepper spray is capsaicin, which is a chemical derived from the fruit of plants in the Capsicum genus, including chiles. Long-term effects of pepper spray have not been effectively researched.

Answer 7

Pepper spray contains a substance called "oleoresin capsicum" (literally 'oily pepper'). It works by irritating the mucus membranes (nose, eyes, mouth). It causes pain as well. The natural reaction to pain the the eyes is to shut them, if you can't see you can't fight. Most police officers (at least in Ontario) get sprayed during training. From personal experience I can tell you it hurts like heck and causes your eyes to tear and your nose to run like crazy (like long snot snakes, ewww....!). The skin on your face also burns. Water does flush the spray away and most people are back to normal within a couple of hours of decontamination. If you inhale it your airway gets inflamed and it feels like you can't breathe for a few minutes (can't breathe, can't fight). I wouldn't get sprayed just for fun, let's put it that way.

It does not work well on everybody though.... I have seen some people get a face full and they seem to just blink and little and keep fighting.

Answer 8

they are for the most section the very similar element (Oleoresin Capsicum suspended in fluid and propellant), with the exception that bear Sprays often have much better cans, and longer levels than those meant for human attackers. The concentration of the energetic aspect varies, yet a straightforward mistake is to look at purely the % of OC in it. that's needed to observe the most objective or "warmth" to boot, that's measured in Scovilles. the U. S. Environmental protection company really regulates all sprays meant for use on animals, and there 4 that are approved for this objective. those sprays certainly are efficient on human beings a lifeless ringer for "conventional" pepper spray. somewhat countless it truly is basically promoting. for example in Canada that's unlawful to carry spray meant for human beings, however it is legal to carry animal appropriate sprays, even if the contents of the can are 100% same. only a loophole contained in the regulation. bear spray isn't deadly to human beings moreso than prevalent spray. contained in the bush plane incidents the position the canister burst, it did not kill the occupants: The plane crashing into the floor and exploding did that, likely from the pilot being blinded and coughing. it really is why pilots those days duct tape them to the floats or wings for the period of shuttle. contained in the numerous study in Canada on how efficient those sprays are, 11% of shoppers by coincidence were given decrease back-splashed. The bear changed into nonetheless scared off, however the guy also changed into hit with it, and it did the same element as police pepper spray might want to: non everlasting blindness, discomfort and aggravated respiration passages.

Answer 9

It works by irritating the eyes and mucus membranes of the individual it is used on. Capsaisin, the ingredient in pepper spray is extremely irritating and usually will deter an attacker.

Answer 10

Look at the name. Pepper. Spray. What do you think happens when you get pepper in your eyes? if you're not sure, go into the kitchen and conduct a little experiment...