A pepper-spray projectile, also called a pepper-spray ball, pepper-ball or pepper-spray pellet is a projectile weapon made up of a powdered chemical that irritates eyes and nose (see pepper spray). These less-lethal weapons launch a fragile projectile which breaks upon impact and releases a irritant payload.
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A pepper-spray projectile may be a sphere, hence the name pepper-ball, but it may also come in other shapes. The irritant payload may differ from product to product but is usually a powder, less frequently a liquid, gas or aerosol. Some companies offer different substances as payload for their projectiles and launcher systems, so potential seller can choose a substance that is certified for use in their country. Also, projectiles with a inert dummy payload are often offered, for training and testing purposes. See Other uses.
A powder called PAVA (capsaicin II) pepper is often used.
Pepper-spray weapons systems are used by law enforcement, military and other organizations, and individuals. The weapon is used generally in the role of stand-off weapons, where physical proximity to a suspect is deemed dangerous but deadly force is not warranted. The systems are not limited to classic standoff situations and allow agents to apply as many rounds as required to bring individual suspects, multiple suspects, or crowds into compliance.
The projectile is usually sold to be used with a launcher or gun by the same company, to provide best reliability.[1] The different companies usually also sell other types of projectiles for non-lethal use or projectiles with combined effects. Such effects may include[2][3]:
Although generally considered less-than-lethal when properly used (targets should exclude the face, eyes, throat or spine),[4] deaths have occurred when they have been fired at inappropriate areas. In one well publicized incident in 2004, the Boston Police Department killed 21-year-old Victoria Snelgrove using a pepper-spray projectile weapon during a crowd control situation.[5][6]