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About Pepper Spray |
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There are so many types of
pepper spray on the market today
that it has become confusing for you to decide which one to get. There are three basic chemical compounds that compose these
defensive sprays.
- Orthochlorobenzalmalonitrile
(CS)
- Alphachloroacetaphenone (CN)
- Oleoresin Capsicum (OC)
CS and CN irritate
the membrane tissues and cause stinging and tearing. They can take
from 5 to 30 seconds before they are effective and may not work if
someone is drunk, on drugs, psychotic, or can't feel pain. The time
delay and the fact that they may or may not be effective, is enough
to turn people away from the self defense sprays. OC, does not have these limitations
and is a far superior product.
OC, or
pepper spray, is an
inflammatory agent; not an irritant. When someone
is sprayed with OC
pepper spray, the person's eyes slam shut. Even
if someone does manage to get their eyes open, they won't be able to
see because OC dilates the capillaries and causes temporary
blindness. Additionally, instant inflammation of the breathing
tissues restricts all but life support breathing. They double over
and begin to cough uncontrollably.
But I hear about people who
aren't affected by pepper spray?
What you have heard about are the
man made chemical compounds commonly referred to as CS or CN. These
are your tear gases. Military personnel are subjected
to similar chemicals in the course of their training to simulate a
chemical attack in a war time situation. After repeated exposure, a
resistance is built up so the "gas chamber," as it is called, does
not affect them as much. And it's true that some people are just not
as affected as others are. Other law enforcement personnel, martial
artists, and yes, even determined criminals can fight through the
effects of CS or CN chemical sprays.
Chemical Compounds that make up
defensive sprays:
- CS (Orthochlorobenzalmalonitrile)
- CN (alphachloroacetaphenone)
- OC (Oleoresin Capsicum)
Pepper spray, on the other hand,
has the effect of putting a brick wall in between the assailant and
the sprayer. When someone gets a full blast of
OC pepper spray, they stop what they are
doing. They stop what they are thinking. Even people previously
mentioned that could withstand the effects of tear gas, are very
personally affected by OC pepper spray. This includes people
that are drunk, on drugs, or psychotic.
Ok, so how do I decide which one
to buy?
Once it became known that OC is
superior to CN and CS, many brands became available with different
concentrations, formulations, sizes, and spray patterns. Choosing
the right spray is a critical decision if the spray ever has to be
used in a self defense situation.
Size and capacity: Sizes can
range from a 1/2 ounce personal pepper spray up to 9 ounces for the
bear pepper spray. Keychain sized defensive sprays or sizes easily
carried on a belt or in a purse are ideal for most situations. Even
the smallest units have enough in them to handle multiple attackers
if done properly. The two main factors you want to look for are the
range and the number of shots. A 6-8 foot range is plenty since that
is where most personal assaults will take place. Most defensive
sprays are also classified by number of one second bursts. A good
1-2 second burst will disable almost any assailant.
Spray Pattern: There are two
basic types of defensive spray patterns, stream and mist. Stream
patterns give good range but require aiming directly at the face. Cone mists have shorter range but you don't have to aim as well. If
there is a breeze, a stream is more controllable. Mists can be blown
off target or even back to the sprayer. OC pepper spray works best
when it hits the eyes and is 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!
What else should I know about
purchasing defensive pepper sprays?
Aside from size and capacity, and
spray pattern of pepper spray, the formulation can also be a
consideration.
Formulation: OC comes in
concentrations of 5%, 10%, 15%, or even higher.
Bear pepper spray is rated at 20%. Because of different marketing that has evolved around these
defensive sprays, the percentage is not always a good indicator of
effectiveness. Worth Protection Security only carries the highest
quality pepper sprays, including
Mace
brand, that have been proven to be most effective.
Other factors: Many pepper
sprays come on key chains. This is a sound idea because since most
people usually have their keys with them, they will also always have
their pepper spray with them. But don't forget about the times you
don't have your keys. The small investment in an extra pepper spray
could actually save your life!
The best
pepper spray in the
world or the most extensive training will amount to nothing if you
don't do two things: Carry your pepper spray
wherever you go and practice using it!
The Most Often Asked Questions About Mace
Brand Defense Sprays
-
What is Mace? Mace is a registered trade name for our unique brand of
aerosol defense spray. It is also the name of the
manufacturer.
-
What is a Mace Aerosol Defense Spray? A Mace brand aerosol defense spray is a humane and effective
self defense device containing OC Pepper, Tear Gas or both.
It is an effective means of non-lethal self defense for
people concerned with personal safety and security.
-
Can I use my Mace Spray after the
indicated expiration date? Like any pressurized aerosol device, over time the unit may
not spray as far as expected, if at all. Mace recommends
replacing your spray after the expired date shown on your
Mace Spray.
-
At what temperature should I store my
Mace Spray? Do not leave your Mace Spray in any area that may exceed 125
degrees F or drop below -15 degrees F. Excessive heat or
cold may cause the can to leak or burst.
-
Can I bring my Mace Spray on an airplane? The FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) allows one Mace
Spray per traveler in your checked luggage only. Sprays are
not allowed in carry-on luggage or at any time in the
passenger area.
-
What are the different "Mace"
formulations and how do they work?
Triple Action is a blend of OC Pepper, CN Tear Gas
and UV Ultra-Violet dye. This formula combines the coughing,
irritation and watery eyes of Tear Gas and the eye-shutting,
"burning" effect of Pepper to disorient an attacker. The
spray should be aimed at the face of an attacker.
PepperGard and
Pepper Mace are 10% OC Pepper
solutions with UV Ultraviolet dye. Pepper Sprays cause the
eyes of an attacker to slam shut, create an intense burning
sensation to affected areas and disorient an attacker. The
spray should be aimed at the face of an attacker.
Pepper Foam is a 10% OC Pepper formulation with UV
Ultra-Violet dye that sprays in a thick foam. The foam acts
to "blindfold" and disorient an attacker and cause the same
"burning" and closing of the eyes as traditional liquid
pepper sprays. The spray should be aimed at the face of an
attacker.
-
What do I do when my Mace Unit expires or
is empty? Your Mace Unit does contain chemicals and should be disposed
of in accordance with all local, state and federal
regulations.
-
Are Mace Sprays legal in my city or
state? Though legal in all 50 States, a number of cities and states
have specific regulations pertaining to the purchase,
possession and use of Aerosol Defense Sprays. If you have a
question you should contact your local Police Department.
Aerosol Defense Sprays are meant for defensive purposes only
are can only be sold to or used by persons 18 years of age
or older.
-
How "Hot" is my pepper spray? OC pepper is generally measured in terms of Scoville Heat
Units (SHU's) or on a percentage basis. For example, one
spray might be 10% 500,000 SHU while another is 5% 1,000,000
SHU. Either spray will be effective in most cases.
-
How effective is my defense spray? Aerosol defense sprays are effective in most, but not all
situations. Attackers under the influence of drugs or
alcohol or people with special training, i.e. military or
martial arts training may not be affected as others.
Pepper Spray
can not be shipped to Alaska, Hawaii, New York, Massachusetts or
Wisconsin.
However, Michigan and
New York are authorized to receive
Bear Sprays
and
Dog Repellents.
Click Here for Michigan Approved Sprays.
Pepper Spray FAQ, Pepper Spray
Techniques Guide
View
pepper spray laws.
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