Which two descriptors are commonly used to describe the potency of OC spray?

• A. The color intensity of the spray.
• B. The concentration by weight (percent) and Scoville Units.
• C. The spray's pH and viscosity.
• D. The duration of spray in seconds and its odor.

Answer: (B)

Potency is about how strong the irritant effect of OC spray will be. The two descriptors you’ll commonly see are concentration by weight (percent) and Scoville Units. The percent by weight shows how much of the formulation is active capsaicinoids—the higher the percentage, the more potent the spray per spray. Scoville Units measure heat intensity of the capsaicinoids, with higher units indicating a stronger irritant effect. Other factors like color intensity, pH, viscosity, or how long the spray lasts and its odor don’t directly measure strength; they affect appearance or spray behavior but not the intrinsic irritant potency.