Pepper spray
Pepper Spray
Pepper spray (pronounced: /ˈpɛpər spreɪ/), also known as OC spray (from "Oleoresin Capsicum"), OC gas, and capsicum spray, is a lachrymatory agent (a compound that irritates the eyes to cause a burning sensation, pain, and temporary blindness) used in policing, riot control, crowd control, and self-defense, including defense against dogs and bears. Its inflammatory effects cause the eyes to close, taking away vision. This temporary blindness allows officers to more easily restrain subjects and permits people in danger to use pepper spray in self-defense for an opportunity to escape.
Etymology
The term "pepper spray" originated from the substance's extraction from a type of plant in the genus Capsicum. The word "capsicum" itself is derived from the Greek word "kapto", which means "to bite".
Usage
Pepper spray is an aerosol substance used for self-defense. When sprayed into the eyes, it can cause temporary blindness and eye pain. It is also used by law enforcement for riot control and crowd control.
Related Terms
- Oleoresin Capsicum: The active ingredient in pepper spray. It is a lachrymatory agent, meaning it causes tears.
- Lachrymatory agent: A chemical compound that irritates the eyes to cause tears, pain, and even temporary blindness.
- Capsicum: A genus of plants from which the active ingredient in pepper spray is derived.
- Riot control: The control of a riot, often using non-lethal methods such as pepper spray.
- Self-defense: The act of defending one's person when physically attacked, often using tools such as pepper spray.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Pepper spray
- Wikipedia's article - Pepper spray
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