Re: [CH] Capsaicin
jim@wildpepper.com
Wed, 21 Nov 2001 15:50:13 -0500
Got to take issue with you here on a couple of points- capsaicin is NOT
an acid and therefore does NOT cause chemical burns on contact. It DOES
stimulate the nerves into thinking they are on fire but tissue
degeneration does not occur. In the course of manufacturing I've had
two mil splashed on me more times than I can count, including getting it
in my eyes one time. No skin damage yet although drain bamage might be
argued ;-) I have even tasted a sample of 4 mil that was sent to me for
consideration. While it was; yes painful, no fun, and quite intense, I
was soon over it, none the worse for the wear, and just a little smarter
for having done it ;-)
Many of us in the food industry have use for such products and some
loonies (right Andy? ;-) even enjoy elevated heat levels. It is
important to recognize that just because oneself doesn't like a certain
heat level, doesn't mean there is no use for it or everyone else that
does like high heat is dumb. I watched a lady eat an Endorphin Rush
sandwich one time and come back for seconds!
Capsaicin is not a regulated hazardous material, in any of the libraries
I could search. Even the MSDS cited on the site you gave, right below
the quote, did not mention 'causes skin burns'. It did discuss nerve
depletion and contact nerve damage which is not even close to being the
same things as 'severe skin burns'.
I can think of many reasons why someone would want to do this at home.
Many times people do not wish to have the flavour of the chile, but do
want the heat. There is a thousand year old tradition of chiles as
medicine. Working with the oils in a balm (which is rubbed on the skin
as a benefit- NOT a detriment) is easier than working with whole
chiles. As a concentrate it is also easier to store and keep around for
use as an additive.
To each their own!
-Jim C
Mild to Wild