Determination of Major Heavy Metal Levels in Pepper Gas Used as Chemical Agents in CBRN Field

Abstract

Introduction: The pepper gases used in the study are in the group of riot control agents. In this study; It was aimed to determine the main heavy metal levels of pepper gases obtained from capsaicin, the active ingredient of peppers grown in soil that we think may contain heavy metals. Material and Method: The presence of a total of 7 heavy metals, including iron, chromium, cobalt, copper, cadmium, lead and nickel, was investigated. The pepper gas sprays were subjected to sample preparation with a microwave combustion device. Then, heavy metal analyzes of the prepared samples were carried out with the ICP OES device. Results: According to this; As a result of the measurements, Chromium (Cr), Nickel (Ni), Cadmium (Cd) and Cobalt (Co) elements were not found in any of the samples. The amount of Lead (Pb) was determined as 0.653±0.064 mg/kg, and the amount of Iron (Fe) was 5.246±0.000 mg/kg. Finally, the Copper (Cu) element detected in a single sample was measured as 0.815 mg/kg. Discussion and Conclusion: We also think that the necessary sensitivity should be shown in laboratory and clinical studies to examine the content of pepper spray and to determine the optimum ratios of its active ingredients. We foresee that preparing promotional brochures, informative public service ads on topics such as what pepper gas is in what situations pepper gas should be used, and informing the public about the health problems it may cause will increase the conscious use of pepper gas.