PAVA spray

PAVA spray is an incapacitant spray similar to pepper spray. It is dispensed from a handheld canister in a liquid stream. It contains a 0.3% solution of pelargonic acid vanillylamide (PAVA), a synthetic capsaicinoid (analogue of capsaicin), in a solvent of aqueous ethanol. The propellant is nitrogen. This solution has been selected because this is the minimum concentration which will fulfil the purpose of the equipment; namely to minimise a person's capacity for resistance without unnecessarily prolonging their discomfort.

PAVA is significantly more potent than CS gas.[1] The liquid stream is a spray pattern and has a maximum effective range of up to four metres (13 ft). Maximum accuracy, however, will be achieved over a distance of 1.25–2 metres (4.1–6.6 ft). The operating distance is the distance between the canister and the subject's eyes, not the distance between the user and the subject.[1]

Effects of PAVA

PAVA primarily affects the eyes, causing closure and severe pain. The pain to the eyes is reported to be greater than that caused by CS. The effectiveness rate is very high once PAVA gets into the eyes; however, there have been occasions where PAVA and CS have failed to work—especially when the subject is under the influence of alcohol or other drugs. Exposure to fresh moving air will normally result in a significant recovery from the effects of PAVA within 15–35 minutes.[1]

Pharmacologically, like other capsaicinoids, PAVA works by direct binding to receptors (TRPV1) that normally produce the pain and sensation of heat, as if exposed to scalding heat.

Usage

PAVA is used widely as a non lethal, temporary defense tool around the world including in the United States[2], the United Kingdom[3], India[4], and others.

British police use

PAVA is approved for police use in the United Kingdom.[5] British police forces have traditionally used CS gas spray. More recently, some forces have opted to use PAVA.[6]

Both PAVA and CS are prohibited under Section 5 of the Firearms Act 1968 as a: "weapon of whatever description designed or adapted for the discharge of any noxious liquid, gas or other thing", meaning that it is unlawful for a member of the public to possess them. Police officers, and other servants of the Crown, have lawful exemption to possess and use PAVA. They are therefore exempt from prosecution under this act and section.[7]

  • United Kingdom: Citizens may not use PAVA under Section 5 of the Firearms Act 1968, however, police and other officials are allowed to use PAVA to uphold the law.[8]

Treatment

There are various treatments to combat the effects of Nonivamide. One popular method includes administering a one-to-one solution of Milk of Magnesia and water to the eyes. Doctors also recommend not using oils or creams on the skin and to not wear contact lenses if one is planning to feel the effects of Nonivamide. [9]

References
  1. "Guidance on the Use of Incapacitant Spray" (PDF). 2010. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2013-03-09.
  2. Henderson, Sarah. "States of Jersey Police: PAVA Spary: Approval for Use". States of Jersey. States of Jersey. Retrieved 1 November 2018.
  3. "'Safer' Pava to replace CS spray". BBC News. BBC News. Retrieved 1 November 2018.
  4. Ahuja, Rajesh. "Centre sends 1 lakh plastic bullets, chilli-filled PAVA shells to Kashmir Valley". Hindustan Times. Retrieved 1 November 2018.
  5. Department of the Official Report (Hansard), House of Lords, Westminster. "Lords Hansard text for 15 Mar 201215 Mar 2012 (pt 0004)". Publications.parliament.uk. Retrieved 2012-06-08.CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  6. "UK | England | Cambridgeshire | 'Safer' Pava to replace CS spray". BBC News. 2008-01-22. Retrieved 2012-06-08.
  7. "Firearms Act 1968". Legislation.gov.uk. Retrieved 2012-06-08.
  8. "Firearms Act 1968". Legislation.gov.uk. Retrieved 1 November 2018.
  9. Brown, Dr. Ernest (2020-05-31). "Bike-riding doctor helps protesters recover from pepper spray attacks". WUSA9. Retrieved 2020-06-01.


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