Pepper spray is generally used by individuals as a self defense weapon or in order to control a crowd. Even though pepper spray can be effective, it sometimes also has some bad effects. The main ingredient that is used to compose pepper spray is oleo-resin capsicum, which is obtained from hot peppers. Indeed, oleo-resin capsicum is the reason why pepper spray is so powerful. Prior to using pepper spray, an individual must be aware of the potential dangers that it causes. Reduced breathing, skin irritation, eye irritation, temporary blindness and even death are all possible dangers that occur as a result of the use of pepper spray. The first danger that pepper spray can present is the decrease the breathing of a person. Indeed, pepper spray can cause the swelling of the linings of both the nose and the throat. Because of this, a person who has been sprayed will have a hard time breathing. In the case the person already suffers from some respiratory issues such as asthma or any other related issues, there could be more serious complications. When the breathing activity is lowered, the human body must deal with a quantity of oxygen that is below normal. In general, the effects that pepper spray causes on individuals tend to disappear after a 30-minute time period, unless the individual gets exposed for a long period of time. The second danger that pepper spray can present is the irritation of the skin for the persons who get exposed. Being sprayed with pepper spray can provoke some skin reactions such as chemical burns, blistering, or even sores. Typically, the people whose skin reacts to pepper spray either are allergic to oleo-resin capsicum or used to be allergic to pepper in the past. One of the things that a person who has just been sprayed with pepper spray should never do is to apply water on their skin. Indeed, oleo-resin capsicum is not soluble to water. In addition to water, both lotions and creams should not be applied to the skin because they have the potential to make the skin irritation worse by trapping the oleo-resin capsicum onto the skin. The two best and effective solutions against the skin irritation caused by pepper spray are the use of specially made wipes and the use of baby shampoo. Baby shampoo is usually employed by emergency services when a skin irritation case must be treated. The third danger that pepper spray can present is the irritation of the eye. When used in situations of self defense, pepper spray is sprayed in the eyes of the aggressor. In general, spraying pepper spray in the face of a person will cause them to experience tearing, redness, pain, or even chemical burns in the eyes. One of the best ways to appease the irritation of the eye is to attempt to cry. Effectively, tears have the ability to remove the oleo-resin capsicum from the irritated eye. Once again, applying water will be of no use. Yet, if the person possesses some specially made eye washes, then they should use them to get the oleo-resin capsicum out of the eye. The fourth danger that pepper spray can present is the temporary blindness. Indeed, as we explained above, it takes about thirty minutes before the effects of pepper spray wear off. The fifth and last danger that pepper spray can present is death. This, of course, occurs rarely but is possible if for example the person has a certain age, some preexisting heart conditions or even some respiratory concerns. The persons who suffer from allergies may not be able to breathe properly, which can ultimately lead to death.
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