Pepper spray is a self-defense weapon that temporarily incapacitate an attacker by irritating the eyes, mouth, throat, lungs, and skin. The active ingredient in most pepper sprays is oleoresin capsicum (OC), derived from hot peppers.
When deployed against an assailant, the OC induces almost immediate closing of the eyes, coughing, gagging, shortness of breath, and an intense burning sensation. Let’s look at what is in pepper spray and how it works.
The Active Ingredient – Oleoresin Capsicum
The key active component of most pepper sprays is oleoresin capsicum (OC), which contains capsaicinoids extracted from hot peppers. The two most common types of OC used in pepper sprays are OC-10% with 10% capsaicin and OC-5% with 5% capsaicin. The higher the capsaicin concentration, the more potent its effects will be. So this is what is in pepper spray.
OC is an inflammatory agent that induces a burning sensation. When it comes in contact with mucous membranes and skin, it activates sensory nerves called vanilloid receptors. This leads to symptoms like:
● Immediate closing and watering of the eyes
● Coughing, choking sensation, and shortness of breath
● Acute burning pain in the skin
● Inflammation of the mucous membranes
The effects start within seconds of exposure and can last from 15 minutes to an hour, depending on factors like concentration and individual tolerance. OC is designed to incapacitate while avoiding long-term injury.
Carrier Solutions
The OC is suspended in a carrier solution – typically an alcohol or organic solvent. Common carrier solutions include:
● Ethanol – Provides strong solvent properties to extract capsaicinoids from peppers
● Methyl isobutyl ketone (MIBK) – An organic solvent that readily evaporates, helping disperse the OC into the air
● Propylene glycol – Enhances shelf life and reduces freezing point
Some carrier solutions also contain an ultraviolet dye to help police identify suspects sprayed with pepper spray.
Propellants
Pepper sprays use a propellant to discharge the OC solution forcefully toward the target. The most common fuels are:
● Nitrogen – An inert gas that pressurizes the container to create a strong spraying force
● Carbon dioxide – Provides high-pressure discharge in a lightweight container
● Compressed air – Simple and inexpensive propellant
Depending on the product, this gives the spray an effective range of up to 20 feet.
Delivery Systems
Now that you know what pepper spray is, you should know that pepper sprays utilize different delivery systems to discharge the spray solution toward the attacker. Each delivery system has its advantages and disadvantages.
Fogger Sprays
Fogger sprays emit a widely dispersed mist 8-10 feet away. The benefit of the fogger mist is that it is harder for the attacker to block or protect their face from the widely dispersed spray. However, the fog is less concentrated and may be less potent than a focused stream. There is also an increased risk of blowback for the user in windy conditions with fogger mist.
The essential advantage of a fogger is that the wide mist makes it difficult for an attacker to block or protect their eyes and face. However, the diffuse mist is less concentrated than a stream, which means the OC is less potent. Foggers also increase the risk of blowback on the user in windy outdoor conditions.
Foam Sprays
Foam sprays discharge the pepper spray as a dense foam rather than a liquid mist. The foam helps prolong the effects by sticking to the skin and eyes. However, foam sprays have a concise range of 4-6 feet. The thick foam also obscures vision slightly, making precise aiming more difficult.
Stream Sprays
Stream sprays emit a narrow, directed liquid stream up to 10-20 feet away. This tight stream allows for accurate aiming at the eyes and face. However, it has a higher risk of blowback in windy conditions. Stream sprays also require good aim and are less effective against multiple attackers.
Gel Sprays
Gel sprays contain the pepper spray solution in a thick, tacky gel. The gel sticks firmly to the skin and clothes, prolonging the irritating effects. However, gel sprays typically only reach 4-8 feet in range. The sticky gel is also more complex to remove once sprayed onto an attacker.
Conclusion
The active burning agent in pepper spray is oleoresin capsicum extracted from hot peppers. It is suspended in a carrier solution, pressurized with a propellant, and discharged through various delivery systems designed for different ranges and patterns.
When sprayed correctly at an assailant’s face, the OC induces temporary but intense incapacitating effects without long-term injury. Understanding the contents and mechanisms of pepper spray allows users to wield it effectively for self-defense.
