Detailed information on Pepper spray

Pepper spray is a chemical compound which is insoluble in water and irritates eyes and is extremely painful. It is also known to cause temporary blindness in some cases. It is also known as OC SPRAY OR CAPSICUM SPRAY. It is generally used by the government to control crowds from violent demonstrating, rioting. However, it has also been used for self defense – against any furious animal, like mad dog, beer or even against rapists and other criminals which women can’t fight back physically. 

Pepper spray may not be able to lead to death but can be a cause of death if used excessively. The most active ingredient of pepper spray happens to be capsicum – a chemical which is derived from fruit of capsicum plants. It is always packed in canisters that are small enough to be carried in a purse or pockets. The method used for measuring the amount of capsicum within pepper spray is called the “high performance liquid chromatography” or HPLC.  

Different countries manufacture and use different versions of pepper spray. Pepper spray used in United Kingdom is not the one used by Russians, Australians, or Asians. In some countries like Hongkong, pepper spray, according to the law, is considered to be legal and classified as arms. 

In Philippines where pepper spray is totally legal, it is somehow available freely in stores, whereas in Iran, the use of pepper spray is forbidden and is only used by the police forces. In China, pepper spray is available on stores and tactical gear shop. On the other hand pepper spray in India does not require any license; but is not sold over the counter. It is generally used only for self defense. In the northern territory of Australia, according to the Weapons’ act, it is prohibited for one to use pepper spray more especially if you don’t have the permit to posses it. 

Use of pepper spray has consequences or effects on the victim and some of these may include the following;

• It causes instant effect on eyes, running nose, difficulty in breathing and coughing.
• Some journals explained that exposure of the eye to pepper spray is extremely harmless and further continued that it is continued exposure that is dangerous because it affects the cornea.

However there are severe effects of pepper spray too. Uncontrollable coughing that makes it difficult for the victim to breath, temporary blindness and the skin experiences a burning sensation.