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What is a Self Defense Spray made from? There are three types of chemicals used in Self Defense Sprays. The first two are type 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 quantities, they cause heavy flow of tears and produce mucus and some choking.
The 3rd and most common ingredient is OC (Oleoresin Capsicum), which is the hot part of chili peppers. OC is not only an irritant, it is also an inflammatory agent and when it contacts the mucous membranes it causes choking and an unbelievable burning sensation. It can also cause temporary blindness from the burning pain.
What's the difference between pepper spray and tear gas? First, you can't fight through the effects of tear gas. The tearing and mucouse secretion are uncontrollable, so it will blind and choke you if it contacts the mucous membranes. Tear gas isnt as effective for though for drunken, super tough attackers.
Only pepper spray works to deter dogs, bears, and other wild animals.
Tear gas disburses fumes and you dont 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 5 seconds to 30 seconds, while the effects of pepper spray are almost instantaneous.
Tear gas can't be washed off, while pepper spray can. MACE has come up with a new gel product however, that is hard to wipe or wash off. MACE also has a "triple action" self defense spray that contains all three ingredients, plus a special UV dye so that the assailant is easily identified by law enforcement.
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 avoid serious injuries and save lives. Pepper spray is very inexpensive, and is not typically restricted by law. A permit is not usually required to carry them.
Self-defense sprays also have their limitations too. For instance, it may take a moment for the pepper spray to start burning and disable the attacker. In that time he can still attack you, or worse take your pepper spray from you and use it against you! If you spray it into the wind, you may end up with MACE in the FACE![I:0:T]
How do I compare various pepper sprays? Pepper spray is rated in 2 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 hotness 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 sufficient.
How long will my pepper spray last? That depends on how big the container is! If your wondering how long you can store it for, its usually about a year. Each container will have an expiration date. The truth is that the OC is not effected by storage time. The propellant however, is not as dependable. If your likely to use it, then you should test spray it every once in a while!
How long do the effects last? The burning takes a few seconds to kick in, and usually lasts from 15 minutes to an hour, depending on the SHU rating. The UV Dye can "tag" a person for up to a week!
When is it OK to use the pepper spray? Whenever you feel truly threatened. Just keep in mind that you have to use it in defense of life, and not in defense of property. You are now allow to use sprays in an offensive manner, only self defense.[I:2:J]
What's better: foam, spray, gel, or fogger? It depends on your situation and preference. Mace brand gels and foams are preferred by many as they are really hard to wipe off. The spray is actually a stream, and is easier to aim into the eyes and mouth. Foggers are used for crowd control.
How should I store & carry pepper spray? Store your defensive spray in a safe place at room temperature. Keep it away from children. Do not leave it in your car during summer because high temperatures may cause the seals to leak.
Think in advance how you want to carry your 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 whenever possible, 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.
What should I know about MY pepper spray? It's important that you get some practice with the specific spray you are going to use. 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? Can you spray it into the eyes of an attacker?
When threatened, make sure you have distance between you and the attacker. Don't get within their stiking distance. 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 so they can ID the bad guy.
Is Pepper Spray Legal in my state? Pepper spray is LEGAL in all fifty states. However, some states and cities have specific regulations 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.
New York: the sellers must be local licensed firearm dealers or local pharmacies. Massachusetts: the buyer is required to obtain a Firearms Identification Card (FID); the sellers must be local licensed firearm dealers. Michigan: OC Pepper Spray can be no stronger than a 2% concentrate. CS is the only Tear Gas accepted. Both must be no larger than 35 grams per can. No combination sprays allowed. Wisconsin: Pepper spray only. No Tear Gas, UV Dye or combination sprays. OC Pepper Spray can be no stronger than a 10% concentrate. The can must be between 15-60 grams only. They must have safety feature. California: Canisters cannot be more than 2.5 ounces. Animal Repellents such as bear spray and dog spray are legal and can be shipped to New York, Wisconsin and Michigan.
Is there anyplace where I cannot carry pepper spray? Yes. You cannot carry any pepper spray on an airplane or in carry-on luggage or in the passenger area. The FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) allows one Pepper Spray (up to 4 oz) per traveler in your checked luggage only.
Can I wash pepper spray off? If you get pepper spray on yourself, dont panic. Water, soap and time are all that is needed to decontaminate you. Exposure to fresh air should help, too. Remove all contaminated clothing. Flush the affected area with cool water. Warm water may intensify the burning and inflammation. Do not rub your face! Wash the affected area with non-oil or cold cream based soap. Don't apply oily lotions--they will trap OC resin onto your skin. Have a doctor examine the exposed area if any irritation or pain persists after the decontamination procedures.
The 3rd and most common ingredient is OC (Oleoresin Capsicum), which is the hot part of chili peppers. OC is not only an irritant, it is also an inflammatory agent and when it contacts the mucous membranes it causes choking and an unbelievable burning sensation. It can also cause temporary blindness from the burning pain.
What's the difference between pepper spray and tear gas? First, you can't fight through the effects of tear gas. The tearing and mucouse secretion are uncontrollable, so it will blind and choke you if it contacts the mucous membranes. Tear gas isnt as effective for though for drunken, super tough attackers.
Only pepper spray works to deter dogs, bears, and other wild animals.
Tear gas disburses fumes and you dont 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 5 seconds to 30 seconds, while the effects of pepper spray are almost instantaneous.
Tear gas can't be washed off, while pepper spray can. MACE has come up with a new gel product however, that is hard to wipe or wash off. MACE also has a "triple action" self defense spray that contains all three ingredients, plus a special UV dye so that the assailant is easily identified by law enforcement.
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 avoid serious injuries and save lives. Pepper spray is very inexpensive, and is not typically restricted by law. A permit is not usually required to carry them.
Self-defense sprays also have their limitations too. For instance, it may take a moment for the pepper spray to start burning and disable the attacker. In that time he can still attack you, or worse take your pepper spray from you and use it against you! If you spray it into the wind, you may end up with MACE in the FACE![I:0:T]
How do I compare various pepper sprays? Pepper spray is rated in 2 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 hotness 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 sufficient.
How long will my pepper spray last? That depends on how big the container is! If your wondering how long you can store it for, its usually about a year. Each container will have an expiration date. The truth is that the OC is not effected by storage time. The propellant however, is not as dependable. If your likely to use it, then you should test spray it every once in a while!
How long do the effects last? The burning takes a few seconds to kick in, and usually lasts from 15 minutes to an hour, depending on the SHU rating. The UV Dye can "tag" a person for up to a week!
When is it OK to use the pepper spray? Whenever you feel truly threatened. Just keep in mind that you have to use it in defense of life, and not in defense of property. You are now allow to use sprays in an offensive manner, only self defense.[I:2:J]
What's better: foam, spray, gel, or fogger? It depends on your situation and preference. Mace brand gels and foams are preferred by many as they are really hard to wipe off. The spray is actually a stream, and is easier to aim into the eyes and mouth. Foggers are used for crowd control.
How should I store & carry pepper spray? Store your defensive spray in a safe place at room temperature. Keep it away from children. Do not leave it in your car during summer because high temperatures may cause the seals to leak.
Think in advance how you want to carry your 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 whenever possible, 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.
What should I know about MY pepper spray? It's important that you get some practice with the specific spray you are going to use. 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? Can you spray it into the eyes of an attacker?
When threatened, make sure you have distance between you and the attacker. Don't get within their stiking distance. 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 so they can ID the bad guy.
Is Pepper Spray Legal in my state? Pepper spray is LEGAL in all fifty states. However, some states and cities have specific regulations 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.
New York: the sellers must be local licensed firearm dealers or local pharmacies. Massachusetts: the buyer is required to obtain a Firearms Identification Card (FID); the sellers must be local licensed firearm dealers. Michigan: OC Pepper Spray can be no stronger than a 2% concentrate. CS is the only Tear Gas accepted. Both must be no larger than 35 grams per can. No combination sprays allowed. Wisconsin: Pepper spray only. No Tear Gas, UV Dye or combination sprays. OC Pepper Spray can be no stronger than a 10% concentrate. The can must be between 15-60 grams only. They must have safety feature. California: Canisters cannot be more than 2.5 ounces. Animal Repellents such as bear spray and dog spray are legal and can be shipped to New York, Wisconsin and Michigan.
Is there anyplace where I cannot carry pepper spray? Yes. You cannot carry any pepper spray on an airplane or in carry-on luggage or in the passenger area. The FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) allows one Pepper Spray (up to 4 oz) per traveler in your checked luggage only.
Can I wash pepper spray off? If you get pepper spray on yourself, dont panic. Water, soap and time are all that is needed to decontaminate you. Exposure to fresh air should help, too. Remove all contaminated clothing. Flush the affected area with cool water. Warm water may intensify the burning and inflammation. Do not rub your face! Wash the affected area with non-oil or cold cream based soap. Don't apply oily lotions--they will trap OC resin onto your skin. Have a doctor examine the exposed area if any irritation or pain persists after the decontamination procedures.
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