Monitoring trends in lacrimator exposures using the National Poison Data System: 2000-2021.

Area of Science:

• Toxicology
• Public Health
• Emergency Medicine

Background:

• Lacrimators are utilized for personal defense and law enforcement crowd control.
• Concerns regarding the safety and application of lacrimators have increased due to public awareness.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze trends in lacrimator exposures across the United States.
• To characterize lacrimator exposure patterns by demographics, substances, outcomes, locations, and scenarios.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of single-substance lacrimator exposures reported to the National Poison Data System (2000-2021).
• Descriptive analyses examined demographics, geographic distribution, product types, and medical outcomes.

Main Results:

• 107,149 lacrimator exposure calls were identified, showing an overall decrease from 2000 to 2021.
• Oleoresin capsicum was the most frequent substance (76.5%). Individuals aged 19 and younger comprised 62% of calls, but adults experienced more severe effects.
• Unintentional exposures, particularly children accessing improperly stored lacrimators, were common, especially in school settings for younger demographics.

Conclusions:

• Lacrimator exposure calls to US poison centers decreased during the study period.
• Oleoresin capsicum and young individuals (≤19 years) were most frequently involved.
• Public safety initiatives focusing on education, product design, and regulation are recommended to prevent unintentional exposures.