The HPLC (High Performance Liquid Chromatography) method is used to measure the amount of capsaicin within pepper sprays. Scoville Heat Unit (SHU) testing is also used to measure the hotness of pepper spray, but this is a subjective test which changes from person to person and does not measure the actual chemical percentage within the product.
A synthetic analogue of capsaicin, pelargonic acid vanillylamide (desmethyldihydrocapsaicin), is used in another version of pepper spray known as PAVA spray which is used in England. Another synthetic counterpart of pepper spray, pelargonic acid morpholide, was developed and is widely used in Russia. Its effectiveness compared to natural pepper spray is unclear and it has caused some injuries.
The Journal of Investigative Ophthalmology and Visual Science published a study that concluded that single exposure of the eye to OC is harmless, but repeated exposure can result in long-lasting changes in corneal sensitivity. They found no lasting decrease in visual acuity.[1]
Though there is no way of completely neutralizing pepper spray, its effect can be minimized or stopped. As veteran chili eaters know, capsicum is not soluble in water, and even large volumes of water will have little to no effect. It is, however, soluble in fats and oils, and detergents can be used to wash it off.
Victims should be encouraged to blink vigorously in order to encourage tears, which will help flush the irritant from the eyes. Some of the oil can be washed off the face using a degreasing, non-oily soap such as a mild dish detergent, and a fan will provide some relief.
Some "triple-action" pepper sprays also contain "tear gas" (CS gas), which can be neutralized with sodium metabisulfite (Campden tablets, used in homebrewing), though it, too, is fat-soluble and could be washed off to a degree with milk, and some contain a UV "blanketing" dye (little can be done against this, but its effects are not nearly as dramatic).
[edit] Legality
In Australia it is classified as a prohibited weapon, and it is illegal for anyone other than police officers to carry a capsicum spray.
In Canada it is classified as a prohibited weapon. A number of dog and significantly stronger bear pepper sprays are legal to own. However, use of these items against humans will most likely result in the user being prosecuted.
In Denmark possession of pepper spray is illegal for private citizens, but a trial period is currently in effect, where police officers in most metropolitan areas carry pepper spray as part of their standard equipment. This trial period has been initiated following the shooting (and often killing) of a number of mentally ill citizens who have behaved violent or in a threatening manner, leaving the police force in want of a defensive, non-leathal weapon.
In Finland it is classified as a device governed by the firearm act and possession of pepper spray requires a license. Licenses are issued for defensive purposes and to individuals working job where such a device is needed such as the private security sector. Government organizations such as defense forces and police are exempt. Concentrations are also limited to 5% active ingredient in OC sprays and 2%/2% in combinations sprays such as CN/OC.
In Germany privately owned pepper spray may fall into two different categories. Sprays that bear the test mark of the Materialprüfungsanstalt may be owned and carried solely for the purpose of defense against animals. Such sprays are not legally considered as weapons. Sprays that do not bear this test mark are classified as prohibited weapons. It is nevertheless strictly prohibited to carry pepper spray at (or on the way to and from) demonstrations - whether it bears a test mark or not.
In Latvia pepper spray is classified as a self-defense weapon, and it is available to anyone over 16.
In Poland pepper spray is not classified as a weapon, so it is available to anyone over 18.
In Holland it is classified as a prohibited weapon, and it is illegal for anyone other than police officers to carry a capsicum spray.
In Russia pepper spray is a fully legal self-defense weapon and can be bought without license by any person over the age of 18 (passport being required for purchase). Its effect on animals is advertised as additional feature, compared with tear gas sprays. Carrying it at demonstrations is prohibited by law.
In Sweden it is classified as an offensive weapon and possession of pepper spray requires a license. However, as of 2006, no such license has been issued.
In Spain approved pepper spray made with 5% CS is available to anyone over 18.
In the United Kingdom, where it is classed as an offensive weapon, the sale and possession of pepper spray is illegal under the Offensive Weapons Act. First time offenders may however receive a police caution. Although legal for police officers, recent debates have arisen whether such a weapon should be legal for civilians as means of defensive purposes only.
Laws on Pepper Spray in the United States of America differ between states.
- Washington, D.C., possession of pepper spray must be registered with the DC Metropolitan Police.
- Massachusetts, pepper spray can only be sold to holders of firearm identification cards.
- New York, pepper spray may only be sold by licensed firearms dealers or pharmacists.
- Wisconsin, pepper spray is limited to containers of 15-60 grams of 10% active ingredient without dyes or CN/CS.
- In many (but not all) other states, pepper spray can be purchased at various stores and carried legally by anyone over 18.
[edit] See also