4Ī person who has been exposed to pepper spray should be immediately removed from the contaminated environment to a well-ventilated area (e.g., outside in the fresh air). 3,4 Pepper spray causes burning and pain in exposed areas initially, but after some time the skin becomes insensitive to pain and temperature reduced sensitivity may last for several days. Note that long-lasting exposure to capsaicin can cause desensitization. This causes bronchoconstriction, with possible tightness of the chest, dilatation of local blood vessels, and mucus formation. In the airways, the depletion of substance P results in the activation of mast cells which then release histamine. This effect, called neurogenic inflammation, may occur in vascular beds, endocrine glands and smooth muscle. Substance P causes vasodilatation, leakage of plasma from capillaries, and the sensation of pain. It can induce the release of peptide compounds contained in nerve terminals, including the neurotransmitter substance P. 15 Capsaicin is thought to act on peripheral sensory nerves. OC may cause local irritant effects as well as neurogenic inflammation. 4,17 However, a range of reaction severity has been reported. 4įor the majority of individuals, the irritant effect of pepper spray lasts for approximately 30 minutes. Other systemic effects may include disorientation, panic, and loss of control of motor activity. (Note that nausea may also occur after acute inhalation exposure to OC). Ingestion: Burning or stinging sensation in the mouth, nausea and vomiting. People with asthma may have worsening of symptoms. Rarely, this may progress to severe respiratory compromise cyanosis, apnea and respiratory arrest have occasionally been reported. Laryngospasm and bronchospasm may also occur, with associated stridor and secondary anxiety. Respiratory, inhalation: Burning sensation in the nose and throat, coughing and sneezing. Skin: Tingling, burning pain, redness, and occasional blistering. 1Įyes: Stinging, burning, tearing and redness, temporary blindness, with reports of corneal abrasion in 8% of exposed cases. The severity of symptoms depend on concentration, duration of exposure, and proximity to the spray discharge. The onset of symptoms is almost immediate. 1Įxposure to OC can cause symptoms due to contact with skin, eyes, mucous membranes, or as a result of inhalation or ingestion. In addition to OC, pepper spray contains a carrier solvent such as rubbing alcohol or a hydrocarbon. The intensity of OC formulations and their toxicological effects depends on the amount of capsaicinoids (capsaicin) in the product. 1,3,15,16 Capsaicinoids are responsible for pepper’s “hot” spicy taste. 1 OC contains capsaicinoids, including the major pungent component capsaicin. Pepper spray contains OC which is an oily resin derived from chili peppers. In Canada, pepper spray is classified as a prohibited weapon. 1 Pepper spray causes irritation and inflammation, and produces a range of signs and symptoms affecting the eyes, mouth, throat, lungs, and skin. Oleoresin capsicum (OC) spray, also known as pepper spray, is used in bear and dog repellents, personal defense sprays and by law enforcement. What protection is recommended for personnel managing a pepper spray discharge? How should pepper spray discharge in the vicinity of food products and preparation surfaces be managed? How should pepper spray discharge in an indoor environment be managed? How should human exposure to pepper spray be managed? How does pepper spray cause health effects? What are the human health effects of pepper spray? Public Health Inspectors (PHIs) are asked to respond to concerns about contamination in the food court. For several days, mall patrons continue to report uncomfortable symptoms (e.g., burning sensation in their eyes and throat) when they enter the food court. The robbery site is located next to the mall’s food court. Pepper spray is discharged during an attempted robbery of a jewellery store in a large urban mall.
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