This article forms part of the series Chemical warfare
(A subset of Weapons of mass destruction)
Lethal agents
Blood agents
Cyanogen chloride (CK)
Hydrogen cyanide (AC)
Blister agents
Lewisite (L)
Sulfur mustard gas (HD, H, HT, HL, HQ)
Nitrogen mustard gas (HN1, HN2, HN3)
Nerve agents
G-Agents
Tabun (GA), Sarin (GB) Soman (GD), Cyclosarin (GF)
GV
V-Agents
VE, VG, VM, VX
Novichok agents
Pulmonary agents
Chlorine
Chloropicrin (PS)
Phosgene (CG)
Diphosgene (DP)
Incapacitating agents
Agent 15 (BZ)
Kolokol-1
Riot control agents
Pepper spray (OC)
CS gas
CN gas (mace)
CR gas This box: view • talk • edit

Heat: Peak (SR: 5,300,000)

Pepper spray (also known as OC spray (from "Oleoresin Capsicum"), OC gas, capsicum spray, or oleoresin capsicum) is a lachrymatory agent (a chemical compound that irritates the eyes to cause tears, pain, and even temporary blindness) that is used in riot control, crowd control, and personal self-defense, including defense against dogs and bears. Chemical warfare involves using the toxic properties of Chemical substances to kill injure or incapacitate an enemy. A weapon of mass destruction ( WMD) is a weapon which can kill large numbers of humans and/or cause great damage to man-made structures (e A blood agent or cyanogen agent is a Chemical compound, carried by the blood for distribution through the body Cyanogen chloride is a Chemical compound with the formula CNCl Hydrogen cyanide is a Chemical compound with Chemical formula HCN A blister agent (also known as a vesicant) is a chemical compound that causes severe skin eye and mucosal pain and irritation Lewisite is a Chemical compound from a chemical family called Arsines While it is colorless and odorless when pure Lewisite is usually found as an oily yellow or The sulfur mustards, of which mustard gas ( Bis (2-chloroethyl sulfide is a member are a class of related Cytotoxic, Vesicant Chemical Nerve agents (also being referred to as nerve gases, though these chemicals are liquid at room temperature are a class of Phosphorus -containing organic chemicals Effects of overexposure The exact symptoms of overexposure are similar to those created by all Nerve agents Tabun like all nerve agents is toxic even in minute doses Sarin, also known by its NATO designation of GB, is an extremely toxic substance whose sole application is as a Nerve agent. Alternative names Soman is occasionally referred to by names other than soman or GD: Phosphonofluoridic acid methyl- 1 2 2-trimethylpropyl ester Chemical characteristics Like its predecessor sarin cyclosarin is a liquid Organophosphate nerve agent GV (P--NN-dimethylphosphonamidic fluoride is an Organophosphate Nerve agent. VE (S-(Diethylaminoethyl O-ethyl ethylphosphonothioate is a "V-series" Nerve agent closely related to the better-known VX nerve agent. VG (OO-Diethyl-S- phosphorothioate (also called Amiton or Tetram) is a "V-series" Nerve agent chemically similar to the better-known VM ( Edemo) is a "V-series" Nerve agent closely related to the better-known VX nerve agent. VX (S--O-ethyl methylphosphonothioate is an extremely toxic substance whose sole application is as a Nerve agent. Novichok (Russian новичок: "Newcomer" is a series of Nerve agents that were developed by the Soviet Union in the 1970s and 1980s and A pulmonary agent (or choking agent) is a Chemical weapon agent designed to impede a victim's ability to breathe. Chlorine (ˈklɔriːn from the Greek word 'χλωρóς' ( khlôros, meaning 'pale green' is the Chemical element with Atomic number 17 and Chloropicrin is a slightly oily colorless or faintly yellow liquid of the formula CCl3NO2 Phosgene is the Chemical compound with the formula COCl2 This colorless gas gained infamy as a Chemical weapon during World War I Diphosgene is a Chemical compound with the formula ClCO2CCl3 This colorless liquid is a valuable reagent in the synthesis of organic compounds The term incapacitating agent is defined by the US Department of Defense as "An agent that produces temporary Physiological or mental "QNB" redirects here For the spoof Amateur radio Q code, see QNB (amateur radio. KOLOKOL-1 (Russian Колокол, eng bell) is an opiate-derived Incapacitating agent. Riot control agents are Less-lethal Lachrymatory agents used for Riot control. CS gas is the common name for 2-chlorobenzalmalononitrile (also called o-Chlorobenzylidene Malononitrile (chemical formula C10H5ClN2 Not to be confused with Hydrogen cyanide, HCN CN gas, or chloroacetophenone or phenacyl chloride, is a substance CR gas or dibenzoxazepine, chemically dibenz[14]oxazepine is an Incapacitating agent and a Lachrymatory agent. The Scoville scale is a measure of the hotness or piquancy of a Chili pepper. Resin, not to be confused with Rosin, is a Hydrocarbon Secretion of many Plants particularly coniferous trees. Capsicum is a Genus of Plants from the nightshade family ( Solanaceae) native to the Americas, where it was cultivated for thousands A lachrymatory agent or lachrymator (from lacrima meaning "a tear " in Latin) (commonly referred to as tear gas) is a Riot control refers to the measures used by police military or other forces to control, disperse and arrest civilians that are involved in a Riot, demonstration Self-defense (or self-defence &mdash see spelling differences) is the act of defending oneself one's property or the well-being of another from physical harm It is a less lethal agent that can be deadly in rare cases. The American Civil Liberties Union documented fourteen fatalities from the use of pepper spray as of 1995. The American Civil Liberties Union ( ACLU) consists of two separate Non-profit organizations the ACLU Foundation a 501(c(3 organization which focuses ^[1] The active ingredient in pepper spray is capsaicin, which is a chemical derived from the fruit of plants in the Capsicum genus, including chilis. Capsaicin /ˌkæpˈseˌɪsɪn/ (8- Methyl - N - Vanillyl -6-nonen Amide) is the active component of Chili peppers Capsicum is a Genus of Plants from the nightshade family ( Solanaceae) native to the Americas, where it was cultivated for thousands The chili pepper, chilli pepper, or chili, is the fruit of the plants from the Genus Capsicum, which are members of the nightshade Long-term effects of pepper spray have not been effectively researched.

Extraction of oleoresin capsicum from peppers involves finely ground capsicum, then the capsaicin is extracted in an organic solvent such as ethanol. The solvent is then evaporated, and the remaining resin is the oleoresin capsicum. An additive such as propylene glycol is used to suspend the OC in water, and pressurized to make it aerosol in pepper spray. Propylene glycol, known also by the systematic name propane-12-diol is an Organic compound (a Diol Alcohol) usually a faintly sweet odorless and The high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method is used to measure the amount of capsaicin within pepper sprays. High-performance liquid chromatography (or High pressure liquid chromatography, HPLC) is a form of Column chromatography used frequently in Biochemistry Scoville Heat Units (SHU) are used to measure the hotness of pepper spray. The Scoville scale is a measure of the hotness or piquancy of a Chili pepper.

A synthetic analogue of capsaicin, pelargonic acid vanillylamide (desmethyldihydrocapsaicin), is used in another version of pepper spray known as PAVA spray which is used in England. England is a Country which is part of the United Kingdom. Its inhabitants account for more than 83% of the total UK population whilst its mainland Another synthetic counterpart of pepper spray, pelargonic acid morpholide, was developed and is widely used in Russia. 4-Nonanoylmorpholine ( pelargonic acid morpholide, N-nonanoylmorpholine, MPK or МПК (for морфолид пеларгоновой Russia (Россия Rossiya) or the Russian Federation ( Rossiyskaya Federatsiya) is a transcontinental Country extending Its effectiveness compared to natural pepper spray is unclear and it has caused some injuries.

Pepper spray typically comes in canisters, which are often small enough to be carried or concealed in a pocket or purse. In the United States, carrying a concealed weapon ( CCW, also known as concealed carry) is the legal authorization for private citizens to carry Pepper spray can also be bought concealed in items such as rings. A finger ring is a band worn as a type of ornamental Jewellery around a finger it is the most common current meaning of the word ring. There are also pepper spray projectiles available, which can be fired from a paintball gun. A pepper-spray projectile, also called a pepper-spray ball, pepper-spray pellet, or pepper ball is a Projectile Weapon made up of PaintBallMarkerjpg|right|thumb|250px|Spyder VS2 Paintball Marker Having been used for years against demonstrators ^[2], it is increasingly being used by police in routine interventions. ^[3]

Effects

Pepper spray is an inflammatory. Inflammation ( Latin, inflamatio, to set on fire is the complex biological response of vascular tissues to harmful stimuli such as Pathogens It causes immediate closing of the eyes, difficulty breathing, runny nose, and coughing. The duration of its effects depend on the strength of the spray but the average full effect lasts around thirty to forty-five minutes, with diminished effects lasting for hours.

The Journal of Investigative Ophthalmology and Visual Science published a study that concluded that single exposure of the eye to OC is harmless, but repeated exposure can result in long-lasting changes in corneal sensitivity. The cornea is the transparent front part of the Eye that covers the iris, Pupil, and Anterior chamber. They found no lasting decrease in visual acuity. Eye examination Visual acuity (VA is acuteness or clearness of vision, especially form vision which is dependent on the sharpness of the retinal focus within the ^[4]

The European Parliament Scientific and Technological Options Assessment (STOA) published in 1998 “An Appraisal of Technologies of Political Control”^[5] with extensive information on pepper spray and tear gas. They write:

"The effects of pepper spray are far more severe, including temporary blindness which last from 15-30 minutes, a burning sensation of the skin which last from 45 to 60 minutes, upper body spasms which force a person to bend forward and uncontrollable coughing making it difficult to breathe or speak for between 3 to 15 minutes. "

For those with asthma, taking other drugs, or subject to restraining techniques which restrict the breathing passages, there is a risk of death. The Los Angeles Times has reported at least 61 deaths associated with police use of pepper spray since 1990 in the USA,^[6] and the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) documented 27 deaths in custody of people sprayed with pepper spray in California alone, since 1993. ^[7][8]

The US Army concluded in a 1993 Aberdeen Proving Ground study that pepper spray could cause "Mutagenic effects, carcinogenic effects, sensitization, cardiovascular and pulmonary toxicity, neurotoxicity, as well as possible human fatalities. Aberdeen Proving Ground (APG is a United States Army facility located near Aberdeen Maryland (in Harford County) There is a risk in using this product on a large and varied population". ^[9] However, the pepper spray was widely approved in the US despite the reservations of the US military scientists after it passed FBI tests in 1991. As of 1999, it was in use by more than 2000 public safety agencies. ^[10]

The head of the FBI's Less-Than lethal Weapons Program at the time of the 1991 study, Special Agent Thomas W. W. Ward, was fired by the FBI and was sentenced to 2 months in prison for receiving payments from a peppergas manufacturer while conducting and authoring the FBI study that eventually approved pepper spray for FBI use. "^[8][11][12]Prosecutors said that from December 1989 through 1990, Ward received about $5,000 a month for a total of $57,500, from Luckey Police Products, a Fort Lauderdale, Florida-based company that was a major producer and supplier of pepper spray. The payments were paid through a Florida company owned by Ward's wife. ^[13]

Like tasers, pepper spray has been associated with positional asphyxiation of individuals in police custody. A Taser is an Electroshock weapon that uses Electro-Muscular Disruption (EMD technology to cause neuromuscular incapacitation or NMI and strong muscle contractions Positional asphyxia, is also known as postural asphyxia, is a form of Asphyxia which occurs when someone's position prevents them from breathing There is much debate over the actual "cause" of death in these cases. There have been few controlled clinical studies of the human health effects of pepper spray marketed for police use, and those studies are contradictory. Some studies have found no harmful effects beyond the effects described above. ^[14]

Deactivation and first aid

A demonstration of how pepper spray is used

Though there is no way of completely neutralizing pepper spray, its effect can be minimized or stopped. Capsaicin is not soluble in water, and even large volumes of water will not wash it off. Capsaicin /ˌkæpˈseˌɪsɪn/ (8- Methyl - N - Vanillyl -6-nonen Amide) is the active component of Chili peppers Victims should be encouraged to blink vigorously in order to encourage tears, which will help flush the irritant from the eyes. The spray can be washed off the face using soap, shampoo, dish washing detergent, or other detergents. SOAP (see below for name and origins is a protocol for exchanging XML -based messages over Computer networks normally using Shampoo is a Hair care product used for the removal of oils, dirt skin particles Dandruff, environmental pollutants and other contaminant particles that Dishwashing liquid ( BrE: washing-up liquid), also known as dishwashing soap or dish soap, is a Detergent used to assist A detergent (as a noun is a material intended to assist Cleaning. Any cooling like ice, cold water, cold surface, or a fan will provide some relief. Milk has been shown to provide some relief and is frequently recommended for treatment of natural capsaicin exposure (chile peppers, hot sauces, spices). Milk is an opaque white liquid produced by the Mammary glands of female Mammals (including Monotremes. To avoid rubbing the spray into the skin, thereby prolonging the burning sensation, and in order to not spread the compound to other parts of the body, victims should try to avoid touching affected areas. Application of oils, or oil containing creams can trap the capsaicin to the skin and result in more severe chemical burns and blistering.

North American street medics use a non-toxic eyedrop solution of 1:1 water and aluminum hydroxide (Maalox) which helps neutralize pepper spray and relieve symptoms. Street medics, or action medics, are volunteers with varying degrees of medical training who attend Protests and demonstrations to provide medical care Maalox is a brand name Antacid containing Aluminium hydroxide and Magnesium hydroxide to neutralize or reduce Stomach acid.

Some "triple-action" pepper sprays also contain "tear gas" (CS gas), which can be neutralized with sodium metabisulfite (Campden tablets, used in homebrewing), though it, too, is not water soluble and could be washed off using the same procedure as for pepper spray, Some sprays also contain a UV "blanketing" dye (little can be done against this, but its effects are not nearly as dramatic). CS gas is the common name for 2-chlorobenzalmalononitrile (also called o-Chlorobenzylidene Malononitrile (chemical formula C10H5ClN2 Sodium metabisulfite or sodium pyrosulfite (IUPAC spelling Br Campden tablets (potassium or sodium metabisulphite are a Sulphur -based product that is used primarily in wine cider and beer making to kill certain bacteria and to inhibit Homebrewing typically refers to the Brewing of Beer and similar Alcoholic beverages (and sometimes soft drinks on a very small scale as a Hobby A dye can generally be described as a Colored substance that has an affinity to the substrate to which it is being applied

Legality

Pepper spray is banned for use in war by Article I. 5 of the Chemical Weapons Convention which bans the use of all riot control agents in warfare whether lethal or non-lethal. The Chemical Weapons Convention ( CWC) is an Arms control agreement which outlaws the production stockpiling and use of chemical weapons Its full name is Riot control refers to the measures used by police military or other forces to control, disperse and arrest civilians that are involved in a Riot, demonstration

In Western Australia, it is legal for a person to carry pepper spray for lawful defense, if that person has, on reasonable grounds, a suspicion or belief that he or she will require the pepper spray to defend himself or herself. Western Australia is a state occupying the entire western third of the Australian continent. However, the person found carrying the pepper spray carries the burden of proving a "reasonable belief or suspicion" rather than the prosecution. In all other states and territories in Australia, pepper spray is considered illegal. For a topic outline on this subject see List of basic Australia topics.

In Belgium it is classified as a prohibited weapon, and it is illegal for anyone other than police officers to carry a capsicum spray. The Kingdom of Belgium is a Country in northwest Europe. It is a founding member of the European Union and hosts its headquarters as well as those ^[15] The use by the security services of public transport companies is also authorised after obtaining permission from the minister of internal affairs. ^[16]

In Canada all products with a label containing the words pepper spray, mace, etc, or otherwise originally produced for use on humans are classified as a restricted weapon^[17]. Country to "Dominion of Canada" or "Canadian Federation" or anything else please read the Talk Page Only Peace Officers, and individuals/corporations who have special government permits may legally carry or possess pepper spray. A law enforcement officer (also called peace officer) in North America, is any public-sector person charged with upholding the peace, mainly Any similar canister with the labels reading "dog spray" and/or "bear spray" may be legally carried by anyone. The legality of using spray intended for animal deterent on a person would be decided in court on a case-by-case basis.

In Denmark possession of pepper spray is illegal for private citizens, but a trial period is currently in effect, where police officers in most metropolitan areas carry pepper spray as part of their standard equipment. The Kingdom of Denmark ( ˈd̥ænmɑɡ̊ (archaic ˈd̥anmɑːɡ̊ commonly known as Denmark, is a country in the Scandinavian region of northern Europe This trial period has been initiated following the shooting (and often killing) of a number of mentally ill citizens who have behaved violently or in a threatening manner, leaving the police force in want of a defensive, non-lethal weapon.

In the Dominican Republic, it is legal to own and purchase pepper spray at any age over the counter, CS spray is regulated and may be used only by military personnel on duty. The Dominican Republic ( Spanish: República Dominicana;) is a nation located in the Caribbean region and shares the island of Hispaniola with Owning civilian grade pepper spray is endorsed by authorities as means of defense against stray dogs, also as a means of defense against human assailants as opposed to the use of a firearm.

In Finland it is classified as a device governed by the firearm act and possession of pepper spray requires a license. Finland, officially the Republic of Finland ( is a Nordic country situated in the Fennoscandian region of northern Europe. Licenses are issued for defensive purposes and to individuals working jobs where such a device is needed such as the private security sector. ^[18] Government organizations such as defense forces and police are exempt. Concentrations are also limited to 5% active ingredient in OC sprays and 2%/2% in combinations sprays such as CN/OC.

In Germany pepper sprays labelled for the purpose of defense against animals may be owned and carried by anyone (even minors). Germany, officially the Federal Republic of Germany ( ˈbʊndəsʁepuˌbliːk ˈdɔʏtʃlant is a Country in Central Europe. Such sprays are not legally considered as weapons §1 WaffG. Carrying it at (or on the way to and from) demonstrations may still be punished ^[19] Sprays that are not labelled "animal-defense spray" or do not bear the test mark of the Materialprüfungsanstalt[1] (MPA) (material testing institute) are classified as prohibited weapons. A demonstration is an historically and geographically common form of Nonviolent action by groups of people Justified use against humans as self-defense is allowed ^[20]. Self-defense (or self-defence &mdash see spelling differences) is the act of defending oneself one's property or the well-being of another from physical harm CS sprays bearing a test mark of the MPA may be owned and carried by anyone over the age of 14. ^[21].

In Hong Kong. Hong Kong ( officially the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, is a territory located on China 's south coast on the Pearl River Delta, and borders pepper spray is classified as "arms" under HK Laws. Chap 238 FIREARMS AND AMMUNITION ORDINANCE. Without a valid license from the Hong Kong Police Force, it is a crime and can result a fine of $100,000 and to imprisonment for 14 years. The Hong Kong Police Force is the police force of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China. ^[22]

In Israel, OC and CS spray cans may be purchased by any member of the public without restriction and carried in public. For a topic outline on this subject see List of basic Israel topics. In the 1980s a firearms license was required for doing so, but since then these sprays have been deregulated.

In Italy OC it is considered a self-defense weapon and it is legal to own it when the active principle is less than 10%. Italy (Italia officially the Italian Republic, (Repubblica Italiana is located on the Italian Peninsula in Southern Europe, and on the two largest Spray made with CS is illegal.

In Latvia pepper spray is classified as a self-defense weapon, and it is available to anyone over 16. Latvia ( Latvija officially the Republic of Latvia (Latvijas Republika is a Country in Northern Europe in the Baltic region. Self-defense (or self-defence &mdash see spelling differences) is the act of defending oneself one's property or the well-being of another from physical harm Anyone over 18 can buy gas pistol loaded with pepper or tear gas cartridges for self defense. A lachrymatory agent or lachrymator (from lacrima meaning "a tear " in Latin) (commonly referred to as tear gas) is a

In the Netherlands it is classified as a Class II weapon of the Weapons and Munition Act(or Wet Wapens en Munitie, in Dutch), putting it in the same class of regulation as fully automatic fire-arms, explosive devices and other war gasses such as organophosphate nerve gasses. The Netherlands ( Dutch:, ˈnedərlɑnt is the European part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, which consists of the Netherlands the Netherlands It is a prohibited weapon except for police officers, who carry it as a less than lethal weapon, as an alternative for using their side-arm.

In New Zealand pepper spray is carried by police offers in place of a firearm. New Zealand is an Island country in the south-western Pacific Ocean comprising two main landmasses (the North Island and the South Island

In Norway real pepper spray is only used by the police. Norway ( Norwegian: Norge ( Bokmål) or Noreg ( Nynorsk) officially the Kingdom of Norway, is a Constitutional The publicly available defense spray often called pepper spray is actually based on isopropyl alcohol. Isopropyl alcohol (also isopropanol, iso, isopro, Rubbing alcohol, or the abbreviation IPA) is a common name for

In Poland all defence sprays (with OC, PAVA, CS or CN) are not classified as a weapon, so they are available to anyone over 18. Poland (Polska officially the Republic of Poland

In Russia pepper spray is a fully legal self-defense weapon and can be bought without license by any person over the age of 18 (passport being required for purchase). Russia (Россия Rossiya) or the Russian Federation ( Rossiyskaya Federatsiya) is a transcontinental Country extending Its effect on animals is advertised as additional feature, compared with tear gas sprays. Carrying it at demonstrations is prohibited by law.

In South Africa it is not a licensed product and is freely available as an over the counter security product. The Republic of South Africa (also known by other official names) is a country located at the southern tip of the continent of Africa Generally carried and used by private security officers and armed reaction officers as well as police and members of the public. A pepper spray projectile is also available also without license. Anyone using pepper spray as anything but a defensive weapon can still be charged with a firearms offense.

In Sweden it is classified as an offensive weapon and possession of pepper spray requires a license. "Sverige" redirects here For other uses see Sweden (disambiguation and Sverige (disambiguation. However, as of 2006, no such license has been issued. Year 2006 ( MMVI) was a Common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar.

In Spain approved pepper spray made with 5% CS is available to anyone over 18. Spain () or the Kingdom of Spain (Reino de España is a country located mostly in southwestern Europe on the Iberian Peninsula. CS gas is the common name for 2-chlorobenzalmalononitrile (also called o-Chlorobenzylidene Malononitrile (chemical formula C10H5ClN2

In South Korea Pepper spray containing OC is legal, however gas-gun types need a simple license to own. South Korea, officially the Republic of Korea and often referred to as Korea ( Korean: 대한민국 tɛː CS is only available for police and private security firms.

In the United Kingdom, "Any weapon of whatever description designed or adapted for the discharge of any noxious liquid, gas or other thing" is classed as a section 5 firearm (Firearms Act 1968). The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, commonly known as the United Kingdom, the UK or Britain,is a Sovereign state located The same act covers other prohibited weapons such as automatic firearms and rocket launchers, all of which can only be possessed by permission of the Home Secretary. Although legal for police officers, recent debates have arisen whether such a weapon should be legal for civilians as means of defensive purposes only. At present a number of legal alternative dye sprays are sold in the UK which have the effect of temporarily blinding the attacker but do not constitute noxious substances and so do not contravene this act. ^[23]

Laws on pepper spray in the United States differ between states. The United States of America —commonly referred to as the

• In Massachusetts, residents may only purchase defense sprays from licensed Firearms Dealers in that state, and must hold a valid Firearms Identification Card (FIC). The Commonwealth of Massachusetts ( is a state located in the New England region of the northeastern United States. ^[24]
• In Wisconsin, tear gas is not permissible. Wisconsin ( or wɪˈskɑnsɨn (French Ouisconsin) is one of the fifty United States of America, located in the north central part of the United States By regulation, OC products with a maximum OC concentration of 10% and weight range of oleoresin of capsicum and inert ingredients of 15-60 grams are authorized. This is 1/2 oz. and 2 oz. spray. Further, the product cannot be camouflaged, and must have a safety feature designed to prevent accidental discharge. The units may not have an effective range of over 20 feet and must have an effective range of six feet. In addition there are certain labeling and packaging requirements: must state cannot sell to anyone under 18 and the phone number of the manufacturer has to be on the label. The units must also be sold in sealed tamper-proof packages. ^[25]
• In Michigan, pepper spray is legal if it has less than 2% of the active ingredient, this decreases the length of the effects but not the SHU. Michigan ( is a Midwestern state of the United States of America. Sprays containing a mixture of CN/CS are also banned, though tear gas containing only CS is legal. ^[26] Agents meeting these criteria can be possessed by anyone over the age of 18.
• In the state of New York, pepper spray may be legally possessed by any person age 18 or over; however, it must be purchased in person (i. New York ( is a state in the Mid-Atlantic and Northeastern regions of the United States and is the nation's third most populous e. cannot be purchased by mail-order or internet sale) either at a pharmacy or from a licensed firearm retailer (NY Penal Law 265. 20 14 (a)), and the seller must keep a record of purchases. The use of pepper spray to prevent a public official from performing his/her official duties is a class-E felony;
• In many (but not all) other states, pepper spray can be purchased at various stores and carried legally by anyone over 18.

See also

• Riot control agent
• Chemical weapon
• Pepper-spray projectile

References