What is a Self Defense Spray made from?
There are three types of chemicals used in self defense sprays. The first two are types of tear gas and are called CS and CN. These man made chemicals are irritants to the mucous membranes (eyes, nose, throat, and lung). In large concentrations, they cause heavy flow of tears and produce mucus and some choking. Tear gas has been used by police for many years for crowd control.
The third and perhaps most common chemical today is OC (Oleoresin Capsicum), commonly known as Pepper sprays. OC is an inflammatory agent made from hot cayenne and other peppers. Upon contact to the tender mucous membranes, it causes an intense burning sensation, temporary blindness, restricted breathing and disorientation. Pepper Spray is a hot selling product and fairly easy to get.
What is the difference between pepper spray and tear gas?
You can’t fight thru the pain of tear gas. It will blind and choke you if it contacts the mucous membranes. Tear gas however isn’t as effective for intoxicated, crazy, super tough attackers.
Tear Gas isn’t effective on wild animals or dogs, pepper spray is. Tear Gas disburses fumes and you don’t have to nail the attacker in the eyes. Pepper Spray does not emit fumes, and it will not deteriorate with age, but it must be sprayed in the eyes or inhaled directly to be effective. Tear Gas takes take longer to be effective, anywhere from 8-30seconds, while the effects of pepper spray are almost instantaneous. Pepper Spray can be washed off with soap and water. Tear Gas takes longer to wear off and the chemical residue can last for days.
Recently, manufacturers have begun to combine the chemicals together to make a super potent spray with the characteristics of each chemical. Called Mace Triple Action, this formulation is super dependable when you need it. They even add in UV dye, so the bad guy can be easily identified by the police.
What are the benefits and limitations of pepper spray?
Pepper spray is an excellent self-defense product. It is used by nearly every law enforcement agency throughout the country. It is non-lethal and extremely effective when sprayed in the facial area and eyes. It put a safe distance between your and an attacker and gives you plenty of time to escape and seek help. Because pepper spray does not cause any long lasting discomfort or injury to the attacker, people are more likely to use it without hesitation. Acting quickly can often keep you from serious injuries and save your life. Pepper spray is very inexpensive, and is not typically restricted by law. A permit is seldom required to carry them. Even so, you should still be aware of its limitations. Pepper Spray may take a few seconds to disable and attacker, so that assailant may be able to take your canister away from you, before the effects of the spray kick in. That means your own weapon may be used against you. Also, strong breezes may reduce its range and effectiveness. You may get spray-back when sprayed against strong wind.
How do I measure the effectiveness of pepper spray?
Pepper Spray is rated in two ways: OC% and SHU rating. The % you see listed on the package (10%, 15%, etc.) explains how much OC is in the container relative to the other ingredients (propellant, dyes, etc.). However, this percentage cannot always be used to compare the “hotness” of different pepper sprays, and there are mixtures of various potencies of OC. The power of OC is directly related to the amount of the capsaicin in the OC, which varies significantly from manufacturer to manufacturer. The amount of capsaicin in OC is rated in Scoville Heat Units (SHU). To compare the hotness of two different pepper sprays, SHU rating is more important. The more capsaicin content the OC has, the hotter & more effective the spray will be. Two million SHU will be more than enough.
Will pepper spray expire? How often should I replace my pepper spray?
Most sprays have an expiration date stamped on the side of the canister. OC will not degrade over time, but the propellant may, and then the unit may not spray as far as expected, if at all. To make sure that propellant does not go bad, you should test your spray every 90 days. Every time you perform a test, you reduce the contents of the canister. If you are using a key chain model and you test regularly you may need to replace the unit every 9 to 12] months.
How long for the spray to work, and how long will the effect last?
It can take 3-5 seconds for pepper spray to take effect, and the effects can last anywhere from 20 minutes to about 60 minutes depending on concentration, which will give you plenty of time to escape an attacker and call the police.
The UV Dye, a harmless additive used to assist authorities in catching the attacker, will generally wear off in about a week.
When should I use pepper spray?
Use pepper spray if you feel threatenedor your life is in danger. And use it only in defense of people, not property. Always maintain situational awareness and remember that its a crime to use self-defense sprays in an offensive manner.
What should I get: foam, spray, gel, fogger?
It just depends on your specific application and preference. Mace brand gels and foams are preferred by many as they are really hard to your car during summer because high temperatures may cause the seals to leak.
Think in advance how you pull out the pepper spray. In a typical assault, you get no warnings and you will get attacked when you least expect it. Carry your pepper spray with you at all times, and keep it in the same place. You can put it in a loose outer pocket of a jacket or inside a pants pocket, or in a purse with an open pocket. Try a few different carrying methods and find good accessible locations for you. Practice and make sure you can draw it quickly in an emergency situation. The keychain pepper sprays are very convenient, and you are more likely to carry them with you all the time because of their smaller size.
How do I use pepper spray?
It is very important that you get some training and practice with the specific spray you are going to carry. Study the canister, the nozzle, and the dispenser. Take your canister to an open field, make sure the wind, if any, is at your back, and fire it for about two seconds. How far will it spray? Is the spray a stream or a foggy mist? How did it react to the wind? Will you be able to spray it into the eyes of an attacker?
In an emergency situation, make sure you have distance between you and the attacker. Don’t get within their reach. Don’t threaten an attacker with your spray. Fire 2 or 3 second bursts directly into the eyes of the attacker. If it is not working, give them another two seconds. The small pocket or purse size will give you between 5 and 10 seconds of continual fire. Once the threat is stopped, run immediately and call the police. If your spray contains UV dye, tell the police that. It can help the police to identify your attacker.
Is Pepper Spray Legal in my state?
Pepper spray is LEGAL in every state in the union. However, some states and cities have specific laws pertaining to the purchase, possession and use of defense sprays. Please check with your local law enforcement agency for any regulations your state may have.
Is there anyplace where I cannot carry pepper spray?
Yes. DO NOT carry any pepper spray on an airplane or in carry-on luggage or in the passenger area. The FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) allows one defense spray (up to 4 oz) per traveler in your checked luggage only.
What are the benefits and limitations of pepper spray?
Pepper Spray is an excellent self-defense product. It is used by nearly every law enforcement agency throughout the country. It is non-lethal and extremely effective when sprayed in the facial area and eyes. It put a safe distance between your and an attacker and gives you plenty of time to escape and seek help. Because pepper spray does not cause any long lasting discomfort or injury to the attacker, people are more likely to use it without hesitation. Acting quickly can often keep you from serious injuries and save your life. Pepper Spray is very inexpensive, and is not typically restricted by law. A permit is seldom required to carry them. Even so, you should still be aware of its limitations. Pepper Spray may take a few seconds to disable and attacker, so that assailant may be able to take your canister away from you, before the effects of the spray kick in. That means your own weapon may be used against you. Also, strong breezes may reduce its range and effectiveness. You may get spray-back when sprayed against strong wind.
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