Bear spray is a powerful non-lethal deterrent. Accidental discharge or exposure to the potent aerosolized irritant requires immediate action to prevent severe discomfort and temporary incapacitation. Neutralization aims to remove the active chemical compound from skin, clothing, and surfaces as quickly as possible. Knowing the proper steps for decontamination is necessary for safely managing a bear spray incident.
Understanding the Active Ingredient
The active ingredient in bear spray is capsaicin and related capsaicinoids, which are concentrated compounds derived from chili peppers, specifically Oleoresin of Capsicum (OC). Bear spray contains a high concentration of these compounds. These capsaicinoids work by binding to pain receptors in the eyes, nose, mouth, and skin, causing an intense, temporary burning sensation and inflammation.
This chemical compound is oil-based (lipophilic), meaning it does not mix with or dissolve easily in water. This oily nature is why flushing affected areas with plain water alone is ineffective. To properly decontaminate, a substance that can emulsify or dissolve the oils must be used. Detergents and specialized neutralizers are required to break down and lift the capsaicinoids from the exposed surfaces.
Emergency First Aid for Skin and Eyes
Immediate action for human or pet exposure begins with moving the affected person or animal away from the contamination site to an area with fresh, circulating air. This minimizes the inhalation of aerosolized particles. It is important to resist the urge to rub or touch the contaminated areas, as this will spread the oily residue and intensify the burning sensation.
For eye exposure, immediately flush the eyes with cool water for a minimum of 15 to 20 minutes. The mechanical action of the water helps drive the spray from the tissues, and repeated blinking will also aid the decontamination process. If contact lenses are worn, they must be removed immediately and discarded, as they can trap the capsaicin oil against the eyeball.
To decontaminate the skin, the goal is to dissolve the oily capsaicinoids using a degreasing agent. A solution of a mild, non-oil detergent, such as liquid dish soap, mixed with cool water is an effective option. The use of cool or cold water is preferred because hot water can open the skin’s pores and intensify the effects of the spray. Gently apply the soapy solution to the affected skin, allowing it to sit for a few minutes to break down the oil before gently wiping or rinsing. Specialized capsaicin-neutralizing wipes or decontamination solutions are also commercially available and can be highly effective for immediate field use.
Decontamination of Clothing and Gear
Porous items like clothing, backpacks, and sleeping bags absorb the oil-based capsaicinoids and require specific laundering to prevent secondary exposure. Contaminated clothing should be carefully removed to avoid spreading the residue to unaffected skin or other surfaces. It is best to air out the items in a well-ventilated area before attempting to wash them.
The contaminated fabric should be washed separately from all other laundry using cold water and a strong, oil-free detergent. Soaking the items in a solution of cold water and non-oil laundry soap for up to 30 minutes before washing is also recommended to help lift the oils. A single wash cycle is often insufficient, so it may be necessary to wash the items multiple times to fully eliminate the residue. After washing, the items must be air-dried instead of using a heated dryer, as heat can cause any remaining capsaicinoids to set into the fabric. Items that were heavily saturated with the spray may retain the irritant even after multiple washes and may need to be discarded for safety.
Safe Cleanup of Contaminated Areas
Cleanup of non-porous surfaces and environments, such as car interiors, tent floors, and counters, requires careful handling to prevent further exposure. Prior to beginning, ensure the area is well-ventilated by opening all doors and windows. Put on protective gear, including gloves and safety goggles, as the capsaicin residue can easily transfer and direct skin contact must be avoided.
Hard surfaces can be cleaned using a strong commercial degreaser or a solution of water mixed with a potent dish detergent. Apply the cleaning solution and wipe down all affected areas, including glass, vinyl, and plastic trim.
For upholstered surfaces like car seats and carpets, a cold water and upholstery shampoo solution should be used. All cleaning materials, such as rags and sponges, will become contaminated and must be sealed in a plastic bag and disposed of as hazardous waste to prevent secondary exposure.