Pepper spray is a form of tear gas containing the compound capsaicin, found in chili peppers. This non-lethal irritant is commonly used in law enforcement or for self-defense.
If you get hit with pepper spray, we recommend going to the hospital right away. While the decision is ultimately up to you, being sprayed with pepper spray could cause lasting medical issues. Learn more about pepper spray, when to get medical care, and how our attorneys could help.
What Does Pepper Spray Do?
Pepper spray affects your eyes, throat, nose, and lungs. The active ingredient, capsaicin, is an irritant that produces inflammation, as well as a burning or stinging sensation. In most cases, pepper spray causes coughing and difficulty breathing. These symptoms typically last anywhere from 20 minutes to 24 hours, depending on the exposure and concentration of chemicals.
Are There Long-Term Effects?
While getting pepper-sprayed once is generally considered harmless, repeated or intense exposure could result in lasting damage to your eyes, particularly the cornea. The eye is one of the most sensitive tissues in your body, and pepper spray can affect its ability to blink and feel pain.
Exposure could also cause serious medical complications for your lungs. Pepper spray may cause coughing up blood, narrowing of your airways, a buildup of excess fluids, and inflammation due to the product’s toxic ingredients. In the most severe cases, contact with pepper spray may lead to chronic lung disease and even death.
Some medical professionals suggest patients could also experience epileptic seizures, heart attacks, or respiratory arrest following exposure to pepper spray. With this in mind, it might be a good idea to go to the hospital immediately after being sprayed with capsaicin.
Who is Most at Risk?
Pepper spray is particularly dangerous to kids and individuals with pre-existing respiratory conditions, such as asthma or COPD. If you have a heart condition or a compromised immune system, you may also be at risk for an adverse reaction to the product’s active ingredients. Seniors are also particularly susceptible to high doses of capsaicin, especially when sprayed at close range.
What to Do If You Are Pepper-Sprayed
While you can immediately rinse the pepper spray out of your eyes with cool water, do not stop there. Remove your clothes, take a shower, and seek medical treatment. It is important to go to the hospital to prevent further complications and document your injuries. Pepper spray is legal in Missouri, but some restrictions may mean you have a claim for damages.
Reach Out to a Legal Professional for More Information About Seeking Medical Attention After Being Pepper-Sprayed
Should you go to the hospital if pepper-sprayed? We think you should. Do not suffer your injuries alone. Our Missouri-based attorneys at A.W. Smith Law Firm could fight for your right to recover compensation.
