These devices are considered "non-lethal" personal self-defense weapons. You must know that possession of defense spray items may be restricted or illegal in some states and cannot be carried onto airplanes (allowed in checked in luggage) and into certain buildings.
Types of Defense Sprays
Self-defense sprays are generally either pepper spray or tear gas. Older defensive sprays, commonly called tear gas, contained chemical compounds such as CS (Orthochlorobenzalmalononitrile) and CN (Chloroacetophenone). Today, the most popular, safest, and most effective defensive spray is formulated with OC (Oleoresin Capsicum), commonly known as Pepper Spray.
CN, or chloroacetophenone was used by the military and police departments in the 60s and 70s as a riot control tear gas, but is not used much anymore. This product is not really a gas, but rather crystals suspend in liquid and placed under pressure to create a vapor.
Tear gas products have proven to be less effective against violent attackers, especially those under the influence of narcotics and alcohol. Additionally, these tear gas products have a fairly slow reaction time of three to thirty seconds.
CS is short for orthochlorobenzalmalononitrile. It is a micro-pulverized irritant. It irritates the mucous membrane of the nose, throat, eyes, and the skin in high concentrations. It works better than CN, but is not readily available to the public.
Both of these chemicals sprays can be toxic and cause serious vomiting, and choking. CN and CS are not all that effective against dogs because they lack lactimal glands.
OC is short for oleoresin capsicum, which is a natural derivative of hot peppers, the active ingredient in Pepper Spray. The essence is extracted, combined with a carrier and propellant, and put into a spray canister.
When it is sprayed into the eyes and face on an attacker, it is extremely painful, but it does not just rely on pain for its effectiveness. OC causes physical effects even in people who are "feeling no pain."
It makes the eyelids slam shut or spasm, causing temporary blindness. When even a small amount is inhaled, it constricts the bronchial tubes, causing extreme choking and coughing, though it does not cut off breathing. It is usually effective on most people and animals, including the mentally ill and those under the influence of drugs and alcohol.
Pepper Spray Strengths
Pepper spray comes in various concentrations, and various degrees of heat (measured in Scoville Heat Units, or SHUs). The heat rating of pepper spray is more important than the pepper concentration percentage.
If you're going to get OC, you should purchase a product which has an SHU rating of 1 to 2 million or more. A 2% to 10% concentration is the best range. Sometimes concentrations higher than 10% do not atomize well, and are therefore less effective.
The primary result of higher concentration sprays lengthen the recovery time beyond the usual 45 minutes or so, and there is no advantage to that in personal defensive situations.
Is OC spray legal?
That depends on your locality. Depending on location, pepper spray laws differ from anyone can buy it, to, as in Massachusetts, one would need a license to purchase and possess it.
Some countries pepper spray is illegal no matter what. It is illegal under FAA regulations to have in carry-on luggage on any airplane, but it is OK to have it in checked baggage.
Using pepper spray irresponsibly can incur criminal or civil liability. Spraying an innocent victim in the face can be a crime. Much like a punch in the face, it would be charged as assault or battery in most jurisdictions.
The justification for using chemical sprays must either be self-defense from personal harm or an arrest situation by law enforcement, and the force must be reasonable under the circumstances. Defense sprays are for personal self-defense only to fight off an attacker. It is not to be used offensively to protect property or on someone you merely dislike.
When used by surprise, pepper spray is an excellent diversion, allowing you time to get away.
Pepper spray has been used by police and federal law enforcement organizations for decades, and it has an excellent safety and effectiveness record. Many instructors of self defense classes recommend it and carry it themselves.
It is probably the best "general purpose" self-defense tool that you can own, though nothing is 100% effective. The spray may not work on some violent, goal-oriented, people, and may not work fast enough to be effective against someone who is armed.
Sabre Self Defense Spray
So , you've decided to take up jogging in order to shed a few pounds . Because the neighborhood isn't what it used to be , you opt to purchase a can of defense spray . Simple enough , huh ? Not necessarily .
Consider this :There are three basic compounds
CS - Orthochlorobenzalmalonitrile- Tear Gas - Irritant
CN - Alphachloroacetaphenone - Tear Gas - Irritant
Of the three , OC is the newest and most effective . Some manufactures carry a combination
of the three , such as , OC/CS or OC/CN . They claim that there are documented advantages to
these mixtures , as well as the OC only formulations .
Tear Gas- CN and CS are irritants . They irritate soft membrane tissues and cause coughing , tearing and stinging pain . They take between 5 and 30 seconds before becoming effective . For people who cannot feel pain ( people on drug , drunk , or having a psychotic attack ) there may be no effect at all . Because of these reasons , I suggest that these two chemicals , used alone , be only used by trained professionals . CN and CS also takes longer to wear off and has been known to cause other complications .
Pepper Spray-OC on the other hand is an inflammatory compound , which when sprayed into the face of an assailant , causes their eyes to slam shut IMMEDIATELY. Even if the attacker was able to open his eyes , he still could not see . The OC will dilate the capillaries within the eye and cause temporary blindness. Next, the uncontrollable coughing and accompanying fit will take the person to the ground . The OC also causes inflammation to the respiratory system which causes labored breathing . It is hard , if not impossible , for anyone ,
after being sprayed , to continue with what they were doing.
OC is manufactured by processing different types of hot peppers. The ?HEAT'in peppers is measured in SHU's (Scoville Heat Units). A bell pepper has 0 SHU's ; a jalape'o about 5,000 and a habanero can have up to 300,000 SHU's ! Pure OC has a heat rating of 15 million. Most pepper sprays are rated in both percentages and SHU's, which only confuse things. My first question would be: A percentage of what ? A 20% concentration of jalape'o peppers will not be as hot as a 2% concentration of habanero pepper. Therefore I recommend that you judge the strength of a pepper spray simply by the SHU's. 2,000,000 SHU's is very effective,and will do the trick . Any hotter concentration may start to cause tissue damage.
Suspension Medium
This is the carrier agent that keeps the OC floating in solution and aids in the dispersal from the can. Most manufactures keep their actual medium formula secret , but there are three basic ones. Liquids ; Gels ; and Foams.
Delivery Type
Foams and Gels - These are the new kids on the block and have been proven to be very effective. They shoot farther (up to 18 ft.) so you don't have to be as close to your assailant. They are also more wind resistant. The concept is get some of this sticky glue like substance on your attackers face. His first reaction is to wipe it off ; which will only allow more surface area contact with attackers skin and compounding his problems. Here is a story of a lady who used pepper gel on her attacker.
Liquid OC Sprays - Foggers- The most effective because of the ultra fine mist is easily inhaled and causes inflammation to respiratory tissues as well as the eyes. Has strong stopping power. Also allows you to put up a barrier and make your escape as the
fog tends to linger in the air. Usually effective 8-12 ft. Can be wind affected.
Stream Sprays- Usually has a greater range , typically up to 15 ft. Stream sprays do not dispense in small droplets , therefore is not as easily inhaled.(They do break-up somewhat on impact and does affect the eyes face and skin.)Streams sprays are not affected by wind as much as foggers or a cone sprays. There is less chance of blow back. May require more accurate aim. You can use a waving action until your target is homed in on.
Cone Mist- Nozzle emits a wider spray pattern with finer droplets than a stream spray. Range is 4-8 ft. Cone sprays can also be used as a barrier or against multiple assailants. Can be wind affected. Remember when using a fogger or a cone mist to ?Spray and Get Away? to avoid blow-back. Wind can shorten the range of these types of sprays.
Other Considerations- Some of these products also include a UV dye that will that will ?Mark? the assailant. A black light will enable the police to see the dye. The average number of shots per container and volume are also important. All of these different choices are designed to give you the flexibility to choose the right defensive spray for your individual needs. Which product fits you best? Lastly , check your local laws for any restrictions on defensive sprays.
Both Patricia Deiparine & Sparkyjp are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Patricia Deiparine has sinced written about articles on various topics from Social Issues, Home Security. Patricia Deiparine is the proprietor of Northwest Safety Products. Her company features top quality self defense pepper sprays, personal alarms, stun guns, and wireless home alarms. Fast, efficient customer service. Looking for a security device?. Patricia Deiparine's top article generates over 880 views. Bookmark Patricia Deiparine to your Favourites.
Sparkyjp has sinced written about articles on various topics from Home Security. http://ussecurityproducts.com/ Your one stop store for all of your self defense needs. We carry stun guns,defensive sprays,personal alarms,home alarms, all with your safety in mind. Feel safer , knowing you're in control !. Sparkyjp's top article generates over 880 views. Bookmark Sparkyjp to your Favourites.
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