Which statement is NOT accurate about the five listed effects of OC exposure?

• A. Running speed may increase
• B. Immediate swelling of the mucous membranes
• C. Involuntary closing of the eyes
• D. Gagging

Answer: (A)

OC spray irritates the eyes and mucous membranes, triggering reflexes that slow you down rather than speed you up. The five common effects include tearing and burning, swelling of mucous membranes that makes breathing and sniffing uncomfortable, involuntary closing of the eyes, and gagging or coughing that interrupts breathing and speech. Because of these immediate irritant responses, running speed would not increase; vision is blurred or cut off, breathing can be obstructed or painful, and coughing or gagging disrupts movement. So the statement that running speed may increase is not accurate, while the others describe typical OC irritant effects.