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--- arms:pepper-spray [2024/06/23 23:19] – Humphrey Boa-Gart
+++ arms:pepper-spray [2024/08/06 05:48] (current) – external edit 127.0.0.1
@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
-====== Pepper Spray ======
+#redirect weapons:pepper-spray
-{{ :arms:dihydrocapsaicin.jpg?400 |}}
-**Pepper Spray** (aka //Oleoresin Capsicum//, or "//OC Spray//") is a widely used substance used subdue an individual. It is frequently used by [[hazards:law enforcement]] as a means of crowd control, and is legal for purchase in many countries to be carried by civilians for self-defense. It is made by processing the pepper and grinding it into a fine powder, then combined with Ethanol and evaporated to make the concentrate. That mixture is combined with Propylene Glycol and water, then pressurized into an aerosol can.
-Use of the aerosol is highly effective when aimed anywhere at a person's face. Direct contact with the eyes works by dilating capillaries in the eyes and additionally, causing inflammation of mucus membranes. This produces a burning sensation that is quite unbearable, and unfortunately it is not easy to quickly alleviate. The most important thing to remember if you ever get hit with it, is **DO NOT TOUCH OR RUB YOUR EYES**. Flushing eyes out with water, or milk diluted with water can help. If you don't have either of those within reach, your best bet is to lean your head forward and allow your own tears to start flushing it out.
-Of course because Pepper Spray is an aerosol aimed typically at the facial area, it also has a very unpleasant effect on the mouth, nose, throat and lungs. Directly inhaling it will cause inflammation of the tissue throughout those areas. Drinking the water/milk mix will help reduce the effect in your mouth and throat. You can flush some out of your nose by rinsing with the same mix, but obviously you can't inhale milk into your lungs to relieve that irritation. Typically, the effect tends to be most pronounced for about 15 minutes. People with Asthma or other breathing issues might require use of their inhaler if exposed.
-The best advice for dealing with law enforcement using pepper spray is really, **DO NOT** be near them if you see an officer preparing to use it. This is also why we very strongly recommend wearing protective goggles to a protest, in addition to an [[gear:masks|N95 or KN95 face mask]]. These combined will greatly reduce your chances of a very unpleasant experience with pepper spray or tear gas. You //should// be able to walk or run away from even a direct spraying if you're wearing both. Then you just need to make sure you wash any of it off your skin which might've been exposed.
-As with any contaminants used in crowd control, you'll want to remove any extra clothing when it's possible, take a shower once you get home, and put all clothes into the wash.
-{{tag>Armaments Hazards}}

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