Chemical Defense - OC
- Chemical Defense
- CN
- CS
- OC
- Why Carry Pepper Spray (OC) Rather than a Conventional Weapon?
- What is Oleoresin Capsicum (OC)?
- Page 7
- Page 8
- Page 9
- Page 10
- Other Effects of Pepper Spray Usage
- Problems with Pepper Spray
- Types of OC Spray Nozzles
- Is Pepper Spray Legal?
- Where Can I Carry Pepper Spray?
- What is my Legal Liability with Pepper Spray?
- How Often Should I Replace My Canister of Pepper Spray?
- Are the Pocket Size or Key Ring Sprays Effective?
- What about a Ultraviolet (UV) dye in pepper spray?
- Get Proper Training
- Sources
- All Pages
OC
Historically, Japanese police used a metsubishi, a lacquer or brass box, to blow pepper dust into the eyes of persons they sought to apprehend. Today, most law enforcement agencies in the United States have switched from using CN and CS to using OC (oleoresin capsicum), a derivative of oil from the hottest cayenne peppers. OC is an inflammatory agent, not an irritant like the tear gases. Contact with mucous membranes (eyes, nose, throat, and lungs) will cause immediate temporary blindness and instant inflammation of the breathing tissues causing severe restriction of breathing.
OC is readily available to the public in the form of pepper sprays and foams. OC is the best deterrent available for attacking dogs and wild animal control.
Since it is an inflammatory, rather than an irritant, response to OC is involuntary (not dependent on pain response). Therefore, it is effective against those who feel no pain, such as psychotics, drunks, and drug abusers. However, it is important to remember that subjects who are highly aggressive, agitated, intoxicated, or suffering from mental illness may have an altered perception of and response to pain. Consequently, these people may not be affected by, or may even become enraged, after being sprayed with OC. OC is not volatile and will not give off fumes like tear gases; it only affects areas that it touches. This means OC must be dispensed as an aerosol, which allows it to be properly inhaled into the lungs.
OC effects may last from 45 minutes to over an hour. It is organic and will naturally dissipate from an enclosed area after about 25 minutes, with some airing out. Persons exposed to OC spray should decontaminate as soon as possible using fresh running water. If potentially life-threatening symptoms develop, they should seek medical attention immediately.
During my years of police training and experience, I have personally seen and felt the effects of CN, CS, and OC. All of them hurt!