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Defense Spray Information Sheet
Chemical Make-up: Pepper sprays are also called defensive sprays and mace (some call it mase) sprays, depending on the chemical make-up. They contain one to three of the following chemicals:
- CS (Orthochlorobenzalmalonitrile)
- CN (alphachloroacetaphenone)
- OC (Oleoresin Capsicum)
The first two, CS and CN, are commonly called tear gas. They irritate the membrane tissues of the eyes, nose, throat, and lungs and cause stinging and tearing, hence the name, tear gas. Tear gas has been used by law enforcement agencies for many years. It vaporizes to some extent. It may have some effect, in comparison to pepper spray, on a person who is hit less accurately, due to the vapors being inhaled or drifting into the eyes. It takes longer to be effective, anywhere from 5 seconds to 30 seconds, while the effects of pepper sprays are quicker. Tear gas also takes longer to wear off and the chemical residue can last for days. Tear gas is an irritant and may not be effective on those who feel no pain, such as psychotics, alcohol and drug abusers.
The 3rd chemical listed, OC, is the one we know as pepper spray. OC is made from hot cayenne peppers and some other peppers. It causes an intense burning sensation, temporary blindness, restricted breathing and disorientation. Since pepper spray is an inflammatory agent a person’s reaction to pepper spray is involuntary (not dependent on a pain response), so pepper spray is effective on those who feel no pain, such as psychotics, alcohol and drug abusers. Pepper spray also works to control wild animals. Tear gas is not effective in these situations.
Capacity of containers: Sizes can range from 1/2 ounce up to 9 ounces. The larger sizes are generally animal repellents, such as bear spray. The smaller sizes are generally keychain size so they can be carried in a purse or attached to a belt. The two most important factors in selecting your pepper spray are 1) the distance (also called the range) that it will shoot and 2) the number of shots in a container. A shooting distance of 6 to 8 feet should be sufficient. A good shot will last 1-2 seconds and most sprays are classified by the number of one-second bursts of spray in the container. Generally a 1 to 2 second blast will disable almost any attacker.
Spray Pattern: Stream and mist sprays are the two patterns. Stream patterns give good range but require aiming directly at the face. Mists have shorter range but you don't have to aim quite as well. If there is a breeze, the stream spray pattern is more controllable. Mists can be blown around causing them to miss the target, or may even blow back on you. OC pepper spray works best when it hits the eyes of the attacker and is also inhaled. The mist is inhaled instantly while the stream might take longer for the person to breathe in the pepper spray. In all cases, it is critical to hit the attacker in the face!
Advantages and Disadvantages of each
Since the advantages of each chemical are not the same, there are some formulas that have been developed that combine from 1 to 3 different chemicals to be most effective.
Mace is a term used to describe one type of tear gas, but it is also a very common term to describe all types of non-lethal self-defense sprays. Many Mace sprays (mase sprays) now include pepper.
Mace is a registered brand name of a non-lethal self-defense spray, manufactured by Mace Security International. The company makes three different formulas of self-defense spray: Triple Action (a combination of pepper spray, tear gas and UV Ultra-Violet dye), PepperGuard or Pepper Mace, and Pepper Foam (a blended spray which contains a UV dye). The foam is difficult for an attacker to wipe away from their face. All sprays are meant to be directed into the face of an assailant. Mace key case and holster models feature glow-in-the-dark locking safety caps.
Mace also makes formulations specially approved for the state of Michigan.
Pepper spray is an excellent self-defense product. It is used by nearly every law enforcement agency throughout the country in crowd control and personal defense situations. It is non-lethal and extremely effective when sprayed in the facial area and eyes. It puts a safe distance between your and an attacker and gives you plenty of time to escape and seek help.
It can take 3-5 seconds for pepper spray to take effect, and the effects can last anywhere from 15 minutes up to 90 minutes depending on concentration, which will give you plenty of time to escape an attacker and call the police. Pepper spray is an inflammatory agent that causes temporary blindness and difficulty breathing.
Because pepper spray is a non-lethal weapon and does not cause death to the attacker, people less likely to hesitate to use it. This quick action can often avoid getting seriously injured and save lives. Pepper spray is very inexpensive, and is not typically restricted by law. Pepper spray should only be used if you are threatened or your life is in danger. It is a crime to use any self-defense sprays in an offensive manner.
It is your responsibility to be informed as to any state or city regulations. Check with your local Police Department for any restrictions that may apply in your area. When traveling also check with your airline before boarding, as they may not allow it.
You should be aware of its limitations, so you don’t become dependant on only one form of self-defense. Since pepper spray may take a few seconds for it to become effective, an attacker may be able to take your canister away from you, before the effects kick in and use it against you. Also the weather can be a factor, as wind and rain may reduce its range and effectiveness. Be cautious when spraying it into the wind, as it may get sprayed back on you in a strong or gusty wind. It is essential to know how to use pepper Spray, as well as any other weapon.
Pepper Spray Ratings
Pepper spray is rated in two ways:
· OC% - the percent of Oleoresin Capsicum (pepper) in the container, usually 5%, 10%, or 15% of the total ingredients found in the product.
· SHU - Scoville Heat Units - The Scoville Heat rating for pepper spray can be as high as 5,300,000 for police grade and much lower for the civilian grade measuring about 2,000,000 SHUs.
In comparing the hotness of different pepper sprays, SHU rating is the more important. The more capsaicin content the OC has, the hotter & more effective the spray will be. Two million SHU should be sufficient.
Expiration Date: Most defensive sprays have an expiration date stamped on the canister. OC itself will not degrade over time, but the unit may not spray as far as expected, if at all. The aerosol propellant may leak out, rendering the spray less effective. This is especially true with the smaller sprays like the key chain.
The nature of the product suggests that effectiveness is of utmost importance. We recommend replacing your spray after the expiration date.
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.
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.
Become familiar with the product you have: It is very important that you know exactly how these products work. Become familiar with the model you purchased. Practice and make sure you can get it quickly in an emergency situation.
Take it to an open area and test-fire it briefly. Make sure the wind is not blowing towards you. See how far the spray or stream goes. Make sure you know you can spray it into the eyes of an attacker if you ever need to and how far away from the attacker you need to be for the spray to be effective.
Get a Pepper Spray Facts book to find out exactly how to carry
your pepper spray (on page 8). And it's not in your pocket!
Be informed on how to use defensive sprays.
Know where you will carry the defensive spray, and be sure it is accessible when you need it. You won’t have time to fumble around looking for it. Once the threat is stopped, run immediately and call the police. If your spray contains UV dye, tell the police to aid in identification of your attacker.
Remember this - the best pepper spray in the world, or the most extensive training on how to use it, will do nothing for you if you don’t have your defensive spray with you, or you don’t know how or are afraid to use it on an attacker.
Pepper gel:  is a new formulation of pepper spray, which is suspended in gel, rather than in a liquid stream.The advantages are that it shoots a longer distance, sticks like glue, stronger pepper, and less contaminating. Many also include a UV dye in the formulation, helping law enforcement to identify the assailant.
Ideal for use in autos, recreational vehicles, camping, or home use.
Animal attacks: Aside from human attack, pepper spray is useful against animal attacks and can be carried in small leather holsters that are widely available. You often see these dangling from the belts of mail carriers. Some cans are small enough to hang from a key chain.
Pepper spray is manufactured for use as an animal repellent and for self-protection. It is effective on dogs, bears and other wild animals and can be a life-saving tool when camping, hiking, or even jogging through rural areas. To protect you from bear or dog attacks, get bear spray or dog spray made for that purpose.
A word of caution: If you get pepper spray on yourself, wash with soap and water. Use cool water. Warm water may cause more burning and inflammation. Do not rub your face! Do not apply oily soaps or lotions as they will trap OC in your skin.
Again, if you have any concerns or questions about the legality of pepper spray in your state, contact your local police department.
Click below for available products:
Mace Spray
Pepper Spray
Pepper Gel
Bear Spray and Dog Spray
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