Pepper Spray..what is it and How does it work?
In order to discover the true nature and effectiveness of Self Defense Pepper Spray as an all 'round personal security device, let's first take a look at the history of defense sprays.
Many are not aware that self defense sprays have been around for over 40 years.
In the beginning they were used exclusively by law enforcement as an alternative to using their firearms.
Self Defense sprays were developed as less than lethal or non lethal weapons.
Over the past 20 plus years, the use of self defense sprays by everyday citizens has sky rocketed.
And in the past 15 years we have seen the development of the more effective self defense pepper sprays that cause no permanent harm to the recipient of the spray.
There are several different types of self defense sprays or pepper sprays on the market today, but
there are only 3 basic chemical components used in them:
CS (orthochlorobenzalmalonitrile)
CN (alphachloroacotaphenone)
OC (Oleoresin Capsicum)
OC is the newest and considered the most effective and potent of these three chemicals.
OC PEPPER is an active component in many forms of
self defense pepper sprays, today. It is not an irritant but an inflammatory agent and when directly sprayed in the face..
It is designed to cause the eyes to
slam shut
causing the capillaries to dilate, which can cause temporary blindness
It causes uncontrollable coughing & choking
while producing a painful
burning sensation
CS and CN, on the other hand, are irritants to the membrane tissues, they cause profuse tearing, an intense burning sensation to
the face, and can create disorientation in the subject.
Unfortunately, these chemicals can take from 5 to 30 seconds to be come effective. If you are being attacked with a knife or a gun, 5 seconds can be an eternity.
In cases of persons who are drunk, on drugs, suffering a psychotic episode, or otherwise cannot feel pain, there is evidence that CS and CN may have little or no positive affects at all.
This reduced capability to subdue those who can't feel pain, coupled with their longer working time, can make these two chemicals less reliable then the newer OC Pepper.
Self Defense Sprays are in several different forms. Different defense spray brands may come in one or more combination of these forms.
Below are listed a few of the combinations available on the market today.
Pepper FOAM: A thick FOAM
combined with 10% pepper. When the thick foam is sprayed in an assailants face it
becomes difficult to for them to see. When the FOAM is wiped away it captures the pepper and
grounds it into the face and eyes.
CN TEAR GAS: A component in self defense pepper sprays
which causes profuse tearing, and an intense burning sensation to the face, along with
disorientation.
UV MARKING DYE This option marks the assailant with an ultra violet dye, which may later aid in identification, apprehension, and conviction of the a assailants.
Are these chemical dangerous?
Do they cause any long term problems?
Now those are good questions. Let's look at both groups of self defense spray components separately. We will start with the CS and CN chemical compounds.
CS and CN leave a chemical residue that can last for days, but more importantly are man made chemicals that have been classified as potential carcinogenic agents. It is believed that skin problems and toxic reactions could occur from exposure.
OC PEPPER is actually a natural chemical. It is a derivative of various hot peppers. It has not been found toxic, nor does it cause any long term effects to the delicate membrane tissues. The effects of OC only take 20 to 30 minutes to wear off. (This is dependant on availability of fresh air and the concentration of the spray)
OC PEPPER has no after effects to worry about, unless it contains ultra violet dye which will wear off in a few days and is harmless. Defense Sprays containing OC Pepper are pure non lethal weapons.
Other factors that you should consider
when purchasing self defense spray
We have examined the different chemicals that you may find in defense sprays that are on the market today, and have we have revealed that OC is superior to CN and CS.
Yet, even if you choose to purchase a a defense spray that contains OC Pepper, there are several other options to consider. These thing can greatly effect how they are used in a self defense situation.
Pepper Sprays come in a variety of different..
Concentrations Formulations Sizes Nozzle Types Spray Patterns
These considerations are critical and can greatly effect how they are used in a self defense situation. You must keep in mind what you are going to use your pepper spray for.
If all you want is something for you house you can buy a larger unit with more volume, but this unit would be to large to carry in your purse or on a belt. Lets take a moment and look at these options closer.
Capacity and Size
The capacity of a pepper spray device is often determined by the size. The capacity is how much pepper spray can be sprayed and for how long. It can also determine the amount of shots of OC pepper a unit can spray, as well as how far the pepper spray unit will shoot.
Sizes can range from .05 or 1/2 oz. up to four ounces. You can even get a pepper spray ring that carries a single shot of pepper gas, a pepper pager or a pepper pen. Some times deception can save your life in a confrontation.
Formulation and Concentration
OC pepper sprays come in a variety of concentrations ranging from 1% up to 10%, but the formulation of a particular self defense spray can make the concentration a bit confusing.
Depending on the formulation of a particular manufacture, a concentration of 1% could be as effective or even stronger than a 10% concentration.
So, make sure you examine what you are buying prior to making your purchase. Become an informed consumer, make sure the company is stable and will back their product.
Spray pattern and Nozzle Types
The last and possibly most important consideration you should make prior to buying a pepper spray device is the spray pattern and nozzle type. The nozzle type controls the amount or density of the liquid sprayed.
There are several spray patterns to consider when choosing your pepper spray unit. Most units will either produce a stream pattern or cone fogger type pattern. Some units will give you a choice while others only come one way. Pepper shot pepper sprays offer both options.
Stream Pattern: The stream pattern offers good range and is more controllable in a breeze, but it's draw back is that it requires you to aim at the attackers face to be fully effective.
Fogger Cone Pattern: A fogger type with a cone pattern has a shorter range but does not require accurate aiming. Yet a strong breeze will greatly effect where the spray ends up.
What does it all mean?
First of all take a breathe, this is a lot to take in all at once. Then remember that even the best
most reliable pepper self defense spray on the market, nor all the knowledge of how they work is ever a replacement for the following pepper spray rules:
Rule #1: Always carry your self defense spray every where you go, or have it available if you are at home.
Rule #2: Practice makes perfect. Practicing with your Self Defense spray will ensure you do not hesitate if you are ever forced to use it.
Pepper Spray Laws: Some states, counties, and countries place restrictions self defense sprays. For example, in Wisconsin self defense law restricts residents to the types of defense sprays they can carry, for instance Triple Action sprays are restricted and sprays must contain only 10% pepper.
If you are considering buying pepper spray in future then may I suggest you visit our buying pepper self defense spray page
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