@article{ref1,
title="The epidemiology of pepper spray exposures reported in Texas in 1998-2002",
journal="Veterinary and human toxicology",
year="2003",
author="Forrester, Mathias B. and Stanley, Sharilyn K.",
volume="45",
number="6",
pages="327-330",
abstract="Pepper spray is used as an incapacitant agent.  Although now available for general use in the US, the health consequences of  pepper spray exposures are poorly understood. This study used data from human  exposure calls to poison centers in Texas to investigate the epidemiology of  pepper spray exposures. During 1998-2002 there were 1,531 human exposures to  pepper spray identified by the Texas poison centers. Pepper spray reports  declined during the 5-y period of the study. The majority of exposures were  unintentional (84%), occurred at home (68%), involved males (56%), and comprised  children and adolescents (64%). Risk factors for pepper spray exposure varied by  patient age. Although 85% of the pepper spray exposures were managed outside of  health care facilities, 97% of exposures involved at least minimal notable  clinical effects. Given the level of detectable clinical effects of this  intervention and the widespread availability of these agents, there is a need  for better education of the public regarding the proper use of pepper spray and  the effects of its use.",
language="",
issn="0145-6296",
doi="",
url="http://dx.doi.org/"
}