#Bear spray series#

Haar, who led the study, said the more serious injuries involve respiratory problems among people with pre-existing conditions as well as chemical burns and other damage to the eyes. A 2017 review of the available documentation found that chemical irritants were rarely fatal and the vast majority of reported injuries were minor, but pepper spray and tear gas “can cause significant injuries as well as permanent disabilities.” Rohini Haar, an emergency room physician in Oakland, California, and a medical advisor for the nonprofit Physicians for Human Rights.įew large-scale studies have been conducted on the health impacts of chemical irritants like pepper spray or tear gas. “This is not your average can of pepper spray,” said Dr. It’s still not clear if the chemical caused or contributed to Sicknick’s death, but the incident has raised concerns about its escalating use in violent protests. Two of the suspects were charged last week with using bear spray against Capitol Police Officer Brian Sicknick, who later died. Protesters use mace in downtown Portland, Ore., and a paint ball gun on Aug. 6 Capitol riot are accused of spraying police officers with bear repellent. And at least three people who participated in the Jan.

#Bear spray series#

In Staten Island, New York, police say a man used it to incapacitate deli clerks in a series of robberies last December. The chemical irritant, which is similar to pepper spray but more potent, has been deployed by right-wing and left-wing protesters against one another and police in the Pacific Northwest. Bear spray has been used as a weapon by civilians in a number of high-profile incidents in recent months.