Health Risk Analysis of First Defense Pepper Spray Using an Acute Whole-Body Inhalation Exposure.
Abstract
The use of chemical agents on individuals has been practiced throughout this century in various arenas. The use of tear gas by the military in foreign conflicts first proved the effectiveness of this method to deal with combatants. Throughout this period, domestic law enforcement agencies the challenge of dealing with civil disturbances in the U.S. With the increased use of chemical agents by both the law enforcement community and the military, the need to find a safer and more effective product has been explored. The introduction of oleoresin capsicum, a natural extract of chili peppers, has been embraced as a more effective means to deal with individuals with a high tolerance for pain or individuals under the influence of drugs or alcohol. However, the rush to find a safer and more reliable replacement to the traditional defense sprays, CS and CN, has led to a flood of pepper sprays on the market. This haste has allowed products to become available that may be even more harmful than what they were intended to replace. The purpose of these studies was to evaluate any short term toxicity associated with a one-minute whole body inhalation exposure of First Defense Pepper Spray. More specifically, the intent was to determine if a level of lethality existed under this exaggerated laboratory setting. Based on the range finding and limit tests, the one-minute acute inhalation LC50 of First Defense was estimated to be greater than 5.76 mg/L in the rat and 5.80 mg/l in the mice. In addition, no mortalities occurred during either study.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 1998
- Accession Number
- ADA351596
Entities
People
- David K. Dubay
- Rusty E. Rush