Only-Pepper Spray

Pepper spray (also known as OC spray (from “Oleoresin Capsicum”), OC gas, capsicum spray, or oleoresin capsicum) is a lachrymatory agent (a chemical compound that irritates the eyes to cause tears, pain, and even temporary blindness) that is used in riot control, crowd control, and personal self-defense, including defense against dogs and bears. It is a non-lethal agent that can be deadly in rare cases. The American Civil Liberties Union documented fourteen fatalities from the use of pepper spray as of 1995.  The active ingredient in pepper spray is capsaicin, which is a chemical derived from the fruit of plants in the Capsicum genus, including chiles. Long-term effects of pepper spray have not been effectively researched.

The HPLC (High Performance Liquid Chromatography) method is used to measure the amount of capsaicin within pepper sprays. Scoville Heat Units (SHU) are used to measure the hotness of pepper spray.

What pepper spray is right for you?

Many people think about what would happen if they were attacked when they go out. By going out it could mean shopping, parties, work, school, or anywhere outside your home. What about inside your home too? Would you follow a natural instinct for your defense or freeze on the spot? Would the natural instinct be the right move? These are all questions that need to be answered in a world that is becoming more hostile all the time.

Crime is actually on the rise in some cities according to different recent news reports. The crime on the rise is not always committed by the usual addict or over imbiber, but by people we already know. Usually by relatives or close friends.

So, what pepper spray and mace would be right for you? A little history on pepper spray may help. Pepper spray comes in many different shaped containers, sizes, and several different strengths. Pepper spray can be an effective deterrent to attackers if a person keeps their head and thinks about what to do. Some spray anywhere from 8 to 20 feet, depending on the model, and have an effect that lasts from 30 to 45 minutes. Remember that pepper spray must be tested regularly to determine if it still works. Pepper spray will not lose its effectiveness, but the container may leak out the pressure over a period of time. Most pepper sprays have an active shelf life from 4 to 6 years.

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Mace is a tear gas in the form of an aerosol spray which propels the lachrymator mixed with a volatile solvent. It is sometimes used as a self-defense device. This form of mace is legal in very few countries, thus its use is becoming uncommon.

The original formulation consisted of 1% CN gas in a solvent of 2-butanol, propylene glycol, cyclohexene, and dipropylene glycol methyl ether. Some formulations now also include Oleoresin Capsicum (active ingredient in pepper spray).

Mace was originally manufactured under the name “Chemical Mace” by Lake Erie Chemical (a former division of Smith & Wesson) in 1962, but is now a registered trademark of Mace Security International. The Mace sold today by Mace Security International is pepper spray rather than tear gas. Many other companies now manufacture similar products.