What is Pepper Spray?

Pepper spray is a chemical compound that irritates the eyes to cause tears, pain, and even temporary blindness. The chemical is a lachrymatory agent that is a less lethal agent that may be deadly in very rare instance. The active ingredient in pepper spray is capsaicin. It is a chemical derived from the fruit of plants in the Capsicum genus, including chilis.

According to Wikipedia:

“Extraction of oleoresin capsicum from peppers involves finely ground capsicum, then the capsaicin is extracted in an organic solvent such as ethanol. The solvent is then evaporated, and the remaining waxlike resin is the oleoresin capsicum. An emulsifier such as propylene glycol is used to suspend the OC in water, and pressurized to make it aerosol in pepper spray. The high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method is used to measure the amount of capsaicin within pepper sprays. Scoville Heat Units (SHU) are used to measure the concentration or “heat” of pepper spray. Oleoresin capsicum also is used in foods where the flavor and piquancy are desired without visible pepper specks, or to standardize the Scoville units.“

Pepper sprays are typically in canisters that are small enough to be carried or concealed in a pocket or purse. Pepper sprays can also be purchased concealed in items such as rings, guns, lipstick, pagers, pens, etc,.

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