Oleoresin capsicum (Cap-Stun) toxicity from aerosol exposure.
OBJECTIVE
To describe the clinical toxicity caused by oleoresin capsicum (OC) spray during law-enforcement action.


METHODS
A medical record review.


METHODS
Emergency department (ED), Truman Medical Center, Kansas City, MO.


METHODS
Consecutive patients who presented to the ED after OC-spray exposure from law-enforcement action between June 1991 and June 1994.


METHODS
Patient presentation and symptoms at presentation, evaluation, and treatment during ED stay.


RESULTS
Eighty-one ED patients, approximately 10% of all individuals sprayed by police officers, presented after exposure to OC. Ocular burning and redness were the most common presenting symptoms. None of the patients required hospitalization due to OC toxicity. Corneal abrasions and respiratory symptoms occurred in 7 and 6 patients, respectively.


CONCLUSIONS
The need for ED evaluation and treatment was infrequent after exposure to OC. A transient burning sensation, erythema, and localized irritation were the most common findings. While no patients had adverse outcomes attributed to OC exposure, practitioners assessing exposure should consider the potential for pulmonary and ocular toxicity.
Watson
W A
WA
Department of Emergency Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Missouri-Kansas City, USA.
Stremel
K R
KR
Westdorp
E J
EJ
D000328:Adult; D000336:Aerosols; D002211:Capsaicin / Q000009:adverse effects*; D002212:Capsicum / Q000009:adverse effects*; D003315:Cornea / Q000187:drug effects / Q000473:pathology; D004781:Environmental Exposure; D004890:Erythema / Q000139:chemically induced; D005131:Eye Injuries / Q000139:chemically induced; D006801:Humans; D008168:Lung / Q000187:drug effects / Q000473:pathology; D008297:Male; D010946:Plants, Medicinal; D012189:Retrospective Studies
D000336:Aerosols; D002211:Capsaicin