Pepper spray

Pepper spray (also called OC spray, from Oleoresin capsicum) is a spray used for self-defence, by spraying it into an attacker's face. It makes eyes water and causes intense pain, sometimes even leading to temporary blindness. Pepper spray is an inflammatory agent. When someone is sprayed with pepper spray, their eyes will close and they will have difficulty breathing, a runny nose, and cough.Effects Of Pepper Spray The stronger the spray is, the longer the effects last, but the average full effect lasts around thirty to forty-five minutes, with longer effects lasting for hours. Pepper spray is mostly used by police forces for riot control, but in some countries people can use it for self-defence. 

The active ingredient in pepper spray is capsaicin, a chemical found in capsicums, chillis and other members of the pepper family. 

Pepper spray usually comes in canisters and can be sprayed up to twenty-five metres.
How it works
Pepper spray makes contact. A sharp burning sensation spreads across the eyes making it nearly impossible to keep them open as the irritation intensifies. The chemicals inside cause your eyelids to swell within seconds. It can lead to temporary blindness making it difficult to see and as you breathe, the chemicals can get into your throat causing to tighten and for the process to end it takes about 1 hour for it to stop.

 Alternate names 
 OC spray (from Oleoresin capsicum)
 Capsicum spray (Australia)

References

Category:Capsicum
Category:Safety
Category:Law enforcement equipment