Counter-assault weaponry
The extreme irritant effects
of certain pepper vein
extracts on human skin,
eyes, tongues and nasal
passages have been known for thousands
of years, but only since about
1970 have these debilitating effects
been used defensively, thanks to
aerosol specialty products. In earlier
years, “hot” pepper and paprika
concentrates were modified by sweeteners.
Cooks and diners then added
them very sparingly to soups, sauces,
dressings and other food items to
give them added zestfulness and a
spicy taste. No other commercial
uses were contemplated.
The “hot,” pungent effect of most genus capsaicum fruits (such as peppers) is due to the presence of
various concentrations of up to about 10 capsaicinoids in the whitish, vertical surface veins and seeds.
Depending upon pepper type and maturity, climate, soil and other factors, the capsaicinoids in the
A chili pepper plant ready to harvest in Africa.
venal corridors could total about 0.12% to 1.00% by
weight. They can be readily extracted and concentrated
to dangerous levels. The most common commodity is
known as African Cayenne Red Pepper. Due to a carotenoid
co-product, these concentrates are ruby-red in
color. When added as drops to food dishes, the highly
diluted color is not a problem. However, it can be a
problem for a would-be attacker when pepper aerosols
are sprayed onto the face.
There are many other “hot” chemicals, most of them
synthetic. In the UK, there is a strong preference for
2-chlorobenzylidenemalonitrile (CS), derived from the
alternative name β,β-dicyano-o-chlorostyrene, dating
back to when the compound was first prepared and
characterized. The melting point is 96°C (204.8°F). CS
sprays are widely used by UK police for riot control.
2-chlorobenzylidenemalonitrile (CS) is a lacrimatic
chemical warfare irritant. It affects skin,
eyes, throat and nasal passages. It’s also known
as β,β-dicyano-o-chlorostyrene.
Some CS aerosols are produced in the U.S.; however, natural counter-assault formulations predominate.
Each “hot” chemical has its own personality.
For example, CS is more irritating than
p-chloroacetophenone but has less incapacitation.
The major capsaicinoids in habaneros
peppers are intensely concentrated, while the
“heat” in several bell peppers is negligible.
Lurid tales about counter-assault aerosols
are legion. In one, two chemists waited until
an hour after quitting time to conduct a
brief target practice with a “Bear Pause” (a pun
on “Bear Paws”) aerosol unit. Selecting a large,
vacant room in the empty office building, they
Montfort A. Johnsen, Ph.D.
Technical Editor
Those Red Hot
Aerosols
40 Spray September 2019
Capsaicin (C) is a primary capsinoid ingredient. It strongly irritates
skin, eyes, throat and nasal passages. Trans-8-methyl-N-vanillyl-6-
nonenamide is the “hottest” chemical known—16,100,000 SHU in
a 0.001% (10ppm) water solution will blister skin.