Which of the following is a sign of OC spray exposure in a non-consenting bystander?

• A. Nausea
• B. Dizziness
• C. Headache
• D. Eye irritation

Answer: (D)

OC spray’s strongest and most reliable effect is on the eyes. When a bystander is exposed, the immediate and most noticeable sign is eye irritation—burning, tearing, redness, and the inability to keep the eyes open due to the intense ocular irritation. This happens because the spray is designed to contact and inflame the conjunctiva and corneal surfaces, triggering a rapid protective response like blinking and tearing. Nausea, dizziness, or headaches can occur after exposure, but they’re less specific and can stem from inhalation, stress, or other factors, making eye irritation the best, most direct indicator of OC spray exposure in someone who did not consent to it.