Pepper spray

Premise

Very well known are the debates created around the legitimacy of the use of anti-aggression sprays: among the most sought after is the pepper spray, considered a real defense weapon.

In this article we will try to shed light on the effects that can derive from the use of an anti-aggression irritant spray, on the damages and on the dangers connected to it.

Anti-aggression spray

The abuses, rapes and current crime have created a real fuss, so much so as to push more people, especially women, in search of a tool to defend themselves: some compare Italy to a Farwest, a suitable metaphor that symbolizes how much the danger linked to the "stupidity" of man has grown.

Generally, the anti-aggression spray is made up of an extract derived from the pepper plant ( Capsicum annuum), called oleoresin capsicum: usually the concentration of this substance does not exceed 10%.

Effects

Spraying a chilli-based spray on the aggressor's face causes irritation to the skin and eyes of the victim, albeit temporary, accompanied by a large tear and the uncontrollable closing of the eyes. The effects derived from the spray of this substance do not stop at the visual apparatus: it can also have consequences at the respiratory level, causing swelling, inflammation, cough and hyperproduction of mucus at the nasal level.

In general, the effect of the spray disappears after about ten minutes, but because of its immediate ability to create a very intense burning and very strong irritation, pepper spray has been the subject of numerous discussions about its legality.

Before using an anti-aggression spray, the people who use it should be instructed precisely on how to use it; in fact, being considered a real weapon, the spray has many drawbacks, such as to be twisted against the person who used it!

Chili pepper spray and the law

The spray is not a gadget, nor a game: consequently, those who make improper use of it, using it for purposes other than self-defense (by mistake, for entertainment, for an unlawful, excessive defense, etc.) could be referred to by the Law.

Although pepper sprays cannot cause permanent injury to humans, they could cause irreversible damage to smell if used on animals.

The law, however, speaks for itself: the anti-aggression spray based on oleoresin capsicum must not be interpreted as a device of attack or offense, but of protection for the safety of the subject; it must not be used for intimidating purposes, nor in the case of resistance without aggression. The pepper spray, however, in itself is not prohibited because by law what is not forbidden, is allowed.