The effects of pepper spray on eyes (2024)

FAQs

The effects of pepper spray on eyes? ›

With regard to eyes, stinging, burning, tearing and redness, temporary blindness, corneal abrasion as well as severe corneal and conjunctival damage have been reported.

Pepper spray contains an inflammatory compound called capsaicin. It causes burning, pain, and tears when it comes into contact with a person's eyes. Symptoms usually resolve in 30 minutes, but some people may experience more severe effects.

It causes immediate closing of the eyes, difficulty breathing, runny nose, and coughing. The duration of its effects depends on the strength of the spray; the average full effect lasts from 20 to 90 minutes, but eye irritation and redness can last for up to 24 hours.

That response is because of the capsaicin found in the membrane of the pepper that causes irritation in the eyes, leading to a watery response. If the capsaicin makes direct contact with your eyes, it can cause swelling, redness, and pain.

How much does it hurt? In one study of people voluntarily getting sprayed with pepper spray as part of police or military training found that people rated their eye discomfort between a 9.6 and 9.7 out of 10, but that decreased to between 8.7 and 7.2 in 10 minutes.

Significant improvement should be noted within 15-30 minutes after exposure. If symptoms persist or are severe, the student should be evaluated by appropriate medical personnel.

Gently pour saline-solution, water or other forms of safe decontamination solution directly in the eyes, aiming away from the nose. Do not pour the decontamination solution over the patient's forehead; this can wash more chemical irritant into the eyes. Have the patient blink as the solution flows over eyes.

In most cases, your body will repair quickly after exposure to pepper spray. However, repeated exposure can lead to permanent damage to the cornea. While complications from pepper spray are uncommon, people with asthma may struggle to control their breathing after 45 minutes. These cases may require medical attention.

Pepper spray is biodegradable and leaves no traces on clothing, and the burning sensation typically disappears completely within 4 to 6 hours. Most people who have been sprayed with pepper spray usually do not experience any long-term health problems as a result.

Pepper spray brands like to boast of the product's long-range capability and intensive stopping power, but in reality pepper spray isn't as practical to deploy as one might think. For instance, it's hard to anticipate whether someone from far away could potentially be an attacker.

Does pepper have negative effects? ›

Gastrointestinal discomfort: Consuming excessive amounts of pepper can lead to gastrointestinal discomfort, including heartburn, indigestion, and stomach pain. This is because pepper contains piperine, a compound that can irritate the lining of the stomach and cause inflammation.

Piperine has been shown to improve brain function in animal studies. In particular, it has demonstrated potential benefits for symptoms related to degenerative brain conditions like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease ( 17 , 18 ).

Avoid using milk, soapy water, or antacids to rinse your eyes. These are popular remedies, but water is just as effective. Some people recommend using milk, unflavored liquid antacids, or baby shampoo mixed with water to flush your eyes.

Which is More Effective - Bear Spray or Pepper Spray? Bear spray should only be deployed against bears because bear sprays can contain up to 2.0% Major Capsaicinoids, making it much more potent and effective.

The spray allows the victim to separate from the attacker and gives them time to escape. Capsaicin is a strong irritant which causes a reaction on contact. Although the effects of the spray can persist about 30 minutes to several hours, long-term issues are not expected.

The most important lesson: Do not take a shower immediately after getting pepper-sprayed. If you do, the pepper spray will run down your body and onto your genitals.

Pepper spray is a lachrymatory agent or chemical compound that makes the eyes fill with tears, pain, and even temporary blindness. It does not cause permanent eye damage. You will typically find pepper spray in an aerosol or spray bottle.

Special Precautions and Warnings

It's usually well-tolerated, but if it gets into the eyes it can burn. Some people might develop an allergy to black pepper.

However, in rooms with little ventilation, it can last up to 30 minutes. Is it safe to use pepper spray indoors?