ISSN: 0022-1198
CODEN: JFSCA
Published Online: 1 March 2002
Page Count: 6

The Effect of Oleoresin Capsicum “Pepper” Spray Inhalation on Respiratory function
Vilke, GM
University of California, San Diego School of Medicine and Medical Center, and the San Diego Regional Public Safety Training Institute, CA

Clausen, J
University of California, San Diego School of Medicine and Medical Center, and the San Diego Regional Public Safety Training Institute, CA

Schmidt, P
University of California, San Diego School of Medicine and Medical Center, and the San Diego Regional Public Safety Training Institute, CA

Clark, RF

Chan, TC
University of California, San Diego School of Medicine and Medical Center, and the San Diego Regional Public Safety Training Institute, CA

Neuman, T

Snowden, T
University of California, San Diego School of Medicine and Medical Center, and the San Diego Regional Public Safety Training Institute, CA

(Received 23 January 2001; accepted 20 June 2001)

Abstract

We performed a randomized, cross-over controlled trial to assess the effect of Oleoresin capsicum (OC) spray inhalation on respiratory function by itself and combined with restraint. Thirty-five subjects were exposed to OC or placebo spray, followed by 10 min of sitting or prone maximal restraint position (PMRP). Spirometry, oximetry, and end-tidal CO² levels were collected at baseline and throughout the 10 min. Data were compared between groups (ANOVA) and with predefined normal values. In the sitting position, OC did not result in any significant changes in mean percent predicted forced vital capacity (%predFVC), percent predicted forced expiratory volume in 1 s (%predFEV1), oxygen, or CO² levels. In PMRP, mean %predFVC and %predFEV1 fell 14.4 and 16.5% for placebo and 16.2 and 19.1% for OC, but were not significantly different by exposure. There was no evidence of hypoxemia or hypercapnia in either groups. OC exposure did not result in abnormal spirometry, hypoxemia, or hypoventilation when compared to placebo in either sitting or PMRP.

Keywords:
forensic science, oleoresin capsicum, positional asphyxia, restraint physiology, respiratory function

Paper ID: JFS15247J
DOI: 10.1520/JFS15247J
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