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Pepper Spray and Chili Peppers
What is it:
Pepper spray is used in bear and dog repellents, personal defense sprays and in crowd control sprays (by law enforcement). Contains the oily resin from chili peppers (oleoresin capsicum) and a carrier solvent such as rubbing alcohol or a hydrocarbon.
Chili pepper is the common name for the fruit of the genus Capsicum. There are many peppers in this genus including jalapeno and cayenne. Used as a spice.
Is it toxic? Contact with the skin or eyes results in an intense burning sensation and possible redness. Inhalation of pepper spray results in irritation to the respiratory tract. Severity of symptoms depend on concentration, duration of exposure, and proximity to discharge.
Health Effects:
Eyes: Immediate stinging, burning sensation, tearing and redness. Symptoms usually subside once the eyes are rinsed.
Skin: Possible irritation, redness and a burning sensation.
Inhalation - Pepper spray: Burning sensation in the nose and throat, coughing, sneezing and a feeling that you can't catch your breath. Symptoms may be worse if exposure occurred in a confined space such as a small room or basement. People with asthma may have worsening of symptoms such as wheezing and shortness of breath.
Ingestion: Possible burning or stinging sensation in mouth, nausea and vomiting.
What to do:
Eyes: Rinse eyes with a gentle stream of lukewarm water for 5 minutes by any of the following methods: