In addition to severe pain, self defense sprays are formulated to cause immediate inflammation when they come into contact with the mucous membranes of the eyes, nose, throat and lungs, cutting off all but life-support breathing.
Because it's an inflammatory agent rather than an irritant, the spray is highly effective against individuals whose pain awareness receptors are not functioning due to the effects of alcohol, drugs or mental illness. Pepper spray's effectiveness relies primarily on inflammation, rather than on pain, irritation or lacrimation. Thus, pain compliance (yielding to authority due to severe pain) is not a necessity to produce the desired result.
In most cases, though, the effects of pain caused by the spray is an important factor in a confrontation. Studies indicate that subjects automatically respond to being sprayed by moving their hands to the face, in an effort to rub the compound from their eyes. This response causes weapon-wielding offenders to drop or toss aside what they are holding.
In most situations, effects include:
- Intense burning sensation in the eyes, causing them to slam shut or spasm
- Swelling of the mucus membranes of the nose, mouth and sinuses, making breathing difficult
- Severe skin irritation --- like hot needles
- Coughing, gagging, hiccuping
- Temporary loss of muscle coordination
- Muscle spasms and disorientation
Dilation of the capillaries of the eyes occurs on contact, resulting in temporary blindness. A subject can lose their balance, shake or tremble, sit down or drop to hands and knees. They may also freeze up and become rigid and unmoving. They can appear disoriented as a result of any combination of these effects which typically last for 30 to 45 minutes.
