Pepper Spray Can Cause Extreme Distress – or Worse

Although pepper spray is generally considered quite safe, experts say deaths can sometimes occur due to other health considerations.

In situations combining pre-existing respiratory problems, such as asthma and emphysema, and exposure to pepper spray, the results can be lethal. While it is rare for someone to die as a result of pepper spray alone, it has happened.

The Gaston County police force is using pepper spray much less since the advent of Tasers. As an example, in 2004 pepper spray was used once but has not been used at all this year. By contrast, Tasers, which were used 13 times in 2004, have already been used 27 times this year.

According to Matthews Police Department Sergeant David Harrington, the trend is reflected in his department as well.

“Pepper still has its uses, but, in a lot of ways, Tasers are just better,” he said.

Since the Matthews Police Department started using Tasers in 2005, Tasers have been used nine times and pepper spray has not been used at all.

“Every time I used pepper spray, I still had to fight the person,” Harrington said. “That is not the case with Tasers.”

According to Taser International spokesman Steve Tuttle, the Matthews trend is echoed across the United States. He produced studies which show that the use of pepper spray is down by about thirty-eight percent in Columbus, Ohio and 100 per cent in Concord, California.