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Citation |
Lutmer BM. J. Can. Soc. Forensic Sci. 2009; 42(4): 266-275. |
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Copyright |
(Copyright © 2009, Canadian Society of Forensic Science, Publisher Informa - Taylor and Francis Group) |
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DOI |
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PMID |
unavailable |
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Abstract |
The capability of oleoresin capsicum (OC), or "pepper" incapacitating aerosol sprays, to influence a breath alcohol test was investigated. Eleven drinking and three non-drinking subjects were tested using infrared and fuel cell breath alcohol testing instruments before and after exposure to OC spray. All tests on non-drinking subjects were negative for the presence of alcohol (0.000 g/210 L). For drinking subjects, 9 of 11 (81.8%) subjects had lower BrACs after exposure. Two had higher results (0.004 and 0.001 g/210 L) after exposure, but this was seen as a function of increasing BrAC, and not the influence of the OC aerosol. Following the field testing, a mixture of 9.1% water-soluble OC was placed in a breath alcohol simulator, heated to 34°C, and then introduced to various infrared and fuel cell instruments. The OC mixture did not give a measurable response on any of the instruments (0.000 g/210 L). The oleoresin capsicum used in commercial and law enforcement aerosols does not possess the requisite vapor pressure to produce significant results on breath alcohol analyzers. Recent exposure to OC spray does not appear to influence evidential breath alcohol test results. |