REPULS Is Not Pepper Spray. Always Dilute with Water

Proper usage and mitigation of REPULS are essential to avoid adverse reactions—and it’s different from pepper spray.

REPULS is a revolutionary chemical irritant that offers clear advantages over traditional OC or pepper spray. But as REPULS gains greater acceptance in the field, it is critical to remember that it is a different chemical than pepper spray, so it must be treated differently as well.

Failure to understand the distinction between REPULS and pepper spray can expose people to potential harm. That’s why it’s important to know about proper mitigation before you use or train others in the use of REPULS.

Of course, exposure to any chemical irritant spray has some small amount of risk. It seems to be generally accepted that people exposed to traditional pepper spray will be in for a long, painful mitigation process, one that may have lasting effects.

The advantage of REPULS is that the irritation can be easily removed from the eyes and skin in just a few minutes.

Length of Exposure

When law enforcement is trained in pepper spray, they are trained in specific protocols. These include how long it is acceptable to expose someone to the chemical and the best way to mitigate the effects.

Crotega’s stance, consistent with use-of-force policies in police departments across the country, is that subjects should only be exposed to REPULS until they are compliant and in custody. The decontamination process should begin immediately after that and requires only flushing the eyes, face, and any exposed skin with water. And water only.

Dilution is the Solution

REPULS is a water-based, food-grade product. The active ingredient is ammonium propionate, but the solution is mostly water — 77%, to be exact. To lessen the irritation, REPULS needs to be diluted. Do not use baby shampoo or milk; instead, flush with water as quickly as possible.

If you do not promptly decontaminate the active ingredient in REPULS, the subject risks mild adverse reactions. These reactions include chemically induced conjunctivitis, like what you might get by swimming in a heavily chlorinated pool with your eyes open, or slight corneal abrasions.

Both reactions can likely be treated with medicated eye drops. But anyone who experiences these reactions should consult a doctor immediately and follow their specific treatment. Both reactions can be avoided in the first place by following proper use and mitigation protocols.