[Spray for self-defense against subjects with aggressive behavior: review of the scientific literature on the use of oleoresin capsicum].
ABSTRACT. In several countries oleoresin capsicum (OC) spray is being used as non lethal weapon in recent years. In 2009 in Italy a Security Act has established that self-defence spray devices can lawfully be purchased and possessed by citizens; at the same time corps of local police started to adopt these devices for self defence and aid in arresting aggressive individuals. This article analizes the multidisciplinar literature about the efficacy and possible acute and long-term health risks of pepper spray for exposed individuals and police or civilians users. The paper also reports updated considerations about correct use of this devices.
Sezione di Psicologia, Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biomediche, Facoltà di Medicina, Università degli Studi di Milano, Italy. carlo.clerici@unimi.it
Carlo Alfredo
CA
Clerici
Gianfranco
G
Pelettii
Laura
L
Veneroni
Angelo
A
de Micheli
D000374:Aggression; D006801:Humans; D009330:Nebulizers and Vaporizers; D010936:Plant Extracts
D010936:Plant Extracts; C018620:oleoresins