Health and Me

Itisha Arya

Chilli Spray Used During Pollution Protest: How The Exposure Can Irritate Eyes And Airways Within Minutes

chilli spray exposure eyes airways

As Delhi’s air grows heavier with pollution, citizens have begun stepping out in protest to raise their concerns. During a demonstration at the C Hexagon near India Gate, some protestors allegedly sprayed chilli solution on police officers, disrupted official duties and blocked traffic, according to the police. New Delhi DCP Devesh Kumar Mahla stated that this was the first time such a substance had been used against officers during an agitation. “For the first time, we witnessed <span>chilli spray</span> being used on police personnel. A few officers were hit in the eyes and are receiving care at RML Hospital. Legal action is underway,” the Delhi Police official told The Print.

This raises an important question. How harmful can a chilli spray actually be? Can spraying it put a person’s organs at risk? Here is a closer look.

<h2><span rel="noindex">How Is Chilli Spray Made</span>?</h2>

Chilli spray, often known as pepper spray, is produced from oleoresin capsicum (OC), an oily extract taken from chilli peppers. Its main active compound is capsaicin, the same substance that gives chillies their heat, only in a far more concentrated and weaponised form. 

The OC is mixed into a liquid base (such as water with an emulsifier like propylene glycol, or an alcohol solution) and is then pressurised so it can be dispersed as a fine aerosol spray, according to The Wire Science.

<h2><span rel="noindex">Physical Effects Of Chilli Spray</span></h2>

When pepper spray reaches the eyes, it brings on sudden eyelid closure, sharp pain and temporary loss of vision. Many describe the sensation as burning, bubbling or boiling, along with intense discomfort, as per Medical News Today.

<ul><li>dry cough or wheezing</li><li>shortness of breath or trouble drawing in air</li><li>burning in the throat</li><li>chest discomfort</li><li>gagging</li><li>runny nose</li><li>gasping</li><li>panic</li><li>difficulty speaking</li><li> dizziness</li><li>fainting</li><li>rashes, blisters or chemical burns where it touches the skin</li></ul>

<h2>How Does <span rel="noindex">Chilli Spray Exposure Harm Your Airways</span>?</h2>

Chilli spray affects your airways by provoking strong inflammation and irritation of the moist lining inside the nose, throat, and lungs. Capsaicin is the key driver of this reaction, and it can spark a wide set of breathing symptoms. In more serious instances, it may even lead to complications.

<h2><span rel="noindex">Chilli Spray Exposure To Eyes</span></h2>

The eyes react almost instantly to pepper spray. It causes heavy tearing, swelling, redness, stinging and momentary blindness. The cornea’s surface layer becomes disturbed, which means people with conditions like diabetes, dry eyes or recurrent corneal erosion may experience stronger effects than someone with healthy eyes, as reported by Medical News Today.

Anyone wearing contact lenses should remove them at once using clean fingers that have not touched the spray. The lenses must be thrown away because they cannot be salvaged.

Rubbing the eyes will make the pain far worse and should be avoided. Rinsing gently with saline can help. Blinking repeatedly also assists in washing the irritant out with tears.

<h2>What To Do After Exposure To Chilli Spray?</h2>

After being exposed to pepper spray, these steps can help shorten the discomfort:

<ul><li>Move to an open area with clean air if possible.</li><li>Rinse the affected parts with plenty of water to clear away the chemical.</li><li> Do not use soap near the eyes, because it can aggravate irritation.</li><li> Remove clothing that has come into contact with the spray to prevent the chemical from spreading. Cutting it off instead of pulling it over the head reduces further exposure to the eyes and skin.</li><li>Keep hands away from the irritated areas to avoid transferring the oily chemical elsewhere on the body.</li><li>Blink quickly to help tears flush out the substance.</li></ul>

Health Conditions A-Z

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chilli spray

How Is Chilli Spray Made

Physical Effects Of Pepper Spray

Physical Effects Of chilli Spray

Chilli Spray Exposure Harm Your Airways

Chilli Spray Exposure To Eyes

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As Delhi’s air grows heavier with pollution, citizens have begun stepping out in protest to raise their concerns. During a demonstration at the C Hexagon near India Gate, some protestors allegedly sprayed chilli solution on police officers, disrupted official duties and blocked traffic, according to the police. New Delhi DCP Devesh Kumar Mahla stated that this was the first time such a substance had been used against officers during an agitation. “For the first time, we witnessed chilli spray being used on police personnel. A few officers were hit in the eyes and are receiving care at RML Hospital. Legal action is underway,” the Delhi Police official told The Print.This raises an important question. How harmful can a chilli spray actually be? Can spraying it put a person’s organs at risk? Here is a closer look.How Is Chilli Spray Made?Chilli spray, often known as pepper spray, is produced from oleoresin capsicum (OC), an oily extract taken from chilli peppers. Its main active compound is capsaicin, the same substance that gives chillies their heat, only in a far more concentrated and weaponised form. The OC is mixed into a liquid base (such as water with an emulsifier like propylene glycol, or an alcohol solution) and is then pressurised so it can be dispersed as a fine aerosol spray, according to The Wire Science.Physical Effects Of Chilli SprayWhen pepper spray reaches the eyes, it brings on sudden eyelid closure, sharp pain and temporary loss of vision. Many describe the sensation as burning, bubbling or boiling, along with intense discomfort, as per Medical News Today.It may also lead to:dry cough or wheezingshortness of breath or trouble drawing in airburning in the throatchest discomfortgaggingrunny nosegaspingpanicdifficulty speaking dizzinessfaintingrashes, blisters or chemical burns where it touches the skinHow Does Chilli Spray Exposure Harm Your Airways?Chilli spray affects your airways by provoking strong inflammation and irritation of the moist lining inside the nose, throat, and lungs. Capsaicin is the key driver of this reaction, and it can spark a wide set of breathing symptoms. In more serious instances, it may even lead to complications.Chilli Spray Exposure To EyesThe eyes react almost instantly to pepper spray. It causes heavy tearing, swelling, redness, stinging and momentary blindness. The cornea’s surface layer becomes disturbed, which means people with conditions like diabetes, dry eyes or recurrent corneal erosion may experience stronger effects than someone with healthy eyes, as reported by Medical News Today.Anyone wearing contact lenses should remove them at once using clean fingers that have not touched the spray. The lenses must be thrown away because they cannot be salvaged.Rubbing the eyes will make the pain far worse and should be avoided. Rinsing gently with saline can help. Blinking repeatedly also assists in washing the irritant out with tears.What To Do After Exposure To Chilli Spray?After being exposed to pepper spray, these steps can help shorten the discomfort:Move to an open area with clean air if possible.Rinse the affected parts with plenty of water to clear away the chemical. Do not use soap near the eyes, because it can aggravate irritation. Remove clothing that has come into contact with the spray to prevent the chemical from spreading. Cutting it off instead of pulling it over the head reduces further exposure to the eyes and skin.Keep hands away from the irritated areas to avoid transferring the oily chemical elsewhere on the body.Blink quickly to help tears flush out the substance.