HOW DOES PEPPER SPRAY WORK?
WHAT IS PEPPER SPRAY?
Pepper spray normally comes in aerosol type containers, some no larger
than a lipstick. Some are small enough to attach to a key chain. Most
of these non-lethal sprays can be fired several times and have a range
of between 8 and 20 feet, depending on model and size.
The active ingredient in pepper spray is OC or oleoresin capsicum. The
OC is derived from Cayenne peppers – some of the hottest peppers in the
world. OC is a reddish-orange, oily liquid, insoluble in water. The OC
agent is dispersed by the aerosol in the container
One of the misconceptions about pepper sprays is, that the higher the
percentage, the hotter and better it works. In most cases this is not
true, most of the best, fastest incapacitating sprays in the world are
from 2-10%. The lighter the fluid, the faster it penetrates the
membrane.
WHAT WILL PEPPER SPRAY DO TO AN ATTACKER?
When sprayed into someone's eyes and face, it irritates the skin, eyes
and mucous membranes of the upper respiratory tract. Coughing and
choking may be experienced. It is very uncomfortable and there is pain
associated with it.
The end result is temporary incapacitation, mostly due to not being
able to see. Attackers are too preoccupied with the blinding and
painful experience to even attempt to do anything violent to you. If
properly contaminated with pepper spray, an attacker will not be able
to open their eyes for between10 minutes to an hour, allowing you
plenty of time to escape safely.
Body size and weight, asthma, smoking, make little or no difference to
the effectiveness of the spray. There may however be a small increase
in blood pressure, heart rate and ventilation. Because OC (oleoresin
capsicum – chili peppers) is an inflammatory agent and not an irritant,
it is still effective on those who feel no pain such as psychotics and
those under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
All OC plants, of which there are many different types contain a very
powerful substance, an alkaloid called capsaicin. Humans can detect
capsaicin even when diluted to one part in ten million.
If you can imagine a really bad case of facial sunburn, a burning
sensation in the back of your mouth and VERY hot and sore eyes – you
will have some idea of the effects a pepper spray will have on your
attacker.
Pepper spray (OC) has also proven to be the best deterrent available against attacking dogs and the control of wild animals.
IS PEPPER SPRAY LEGAL?
Pepper spray is used by many law enforcement agencies because it is
more effective than tear gas and Mace™ and because it does not cause
direct permanent harm.
However there are some areas and countries where its use by the general
public is restricted. It is also a crime to carry pepper spray on a
commercial aircraft. But, according to the TSA guidelines you are
permitted to carry one, up to 4oz container in your checked luggage.
You should check for restrictions in your locality.
Click here for Pepper Spray Laws.
HOW SHOULD PEPPER SPRAYS BE USED?
If you have to use your pepper spray in self defense, make sure that
you have some distance between you and your attacker(s) if possible
(you don't want the spray to affect you). Aim the spray at the eyes and
facial region of the attacker, then release a 1 to 2 second burst of
spray. After you have done this, move away, but watch the attacker(s)
carefully as you do so. By watching the reactions of your attacker(s)
you will be able to tell if a further burst of spray is required.
REMEMBER spray and move, spray and move. Once the attacker has been
incapacitated seek help and call the police.
SHELF LIFE AND TESTING
Most pepper sprays have a shelf life of 3-4 years although some expire
after two years. The expiration date should be marked on the canister.
Any use of the spray beyond the expiration date is not advised.
YOUR LIFE MAY DEPEND ON IT WORKING PROPERLY
Although the spray will work indefinitely, it will lose its potency over time.
Sprays should be tested by firing with half second bursts, both after
purchase and then on a regular basis of every 90 days. Testing must
always be done outside with any wind blowing from behind you.
Remember that all activations will reduce the contents of the canister.
Smaller capacity models will therefore need to be replaced every 9-12
months if these testing procedures are adhered to. Always check
manufacturers testing and replacement recommendations.
REMEMBER
The size of the pepper spray unit generally determines its capacity.
Pepper sprays are not the same as mace or tear gas sprays.
Law abiding citizens are realizing that they have to depend on devices
like this to protect themselves and their families. There are around 40
manufacturers of this type of spray, who offer various sizes,
formulations and spray types. However there is only one chemical
composition, which should be considered for use by the general public
in a self defense situation.
It is estimated that at least 15,000,000 Americans now carry personal defense sprays, the majority of which are OC pepper sprays
You should always carry a self defense product such as Mace, pepper spray, a stun gun, personal alarms or a Taser.