 Get the facts about Defense Sprays and how to use them to bring criminals to their knees. Choosing a defense spray, how to carry it, how to shoot it, what to do about multiple assailants, and more.
Perhaps you’ve considered carrying a defense spray as a way of protecting yourself from either animals or aggressive people, but aren’t sure if it’s right for you. Well, good news—we’ve done all the research for you! On this page, you’ll find answers to your most important questions about pepper spray, as well as links to more information.
Are Defense Sprays Safe?
Most defense spray brands are safe for ordinary citizens to carry. They are carried in canisters of various sizes depending on the purpose it is used for, which are designed to fire off only when intentionally activated by the user. Very few fatalities have ever been reported from the use of defense sprays—according to the American Civil Liberties Union, there have only been fourteen documented fatalities. When used responsibly, defense sprays are considered safe.The Journal of Investigative Ophthalmology and Visual Science published a study that concluded that single exposure of the eye to OC is harmless, but repeated exposure can result in long-lasting changes in corneal sensitivity. They found no lasting decrease in visual acuity.
(http://www.iovs.org/cgi/content/full/41/8/2138)
What Are Defense Sprays Made Of?
Also known as OC spray (from “Oleoresin Capsicum”), the sprays contain a chemical compound that irritates the eyes, causing tears, pain, and even temporary blindness. The active ingredient in most of these products is capsaicin, a chemical derived from the fruit of plants in the Capsicum genus, including chiles.
What Are The Effects?
Pepper spray is an inflammatory agent, not an irritant like Mace. It causes immediate closing of the eyes and coughing. The length of the effects depend on the strength of the spray but the average full effect lasts around thirty to forty-five minutes, with mitigated effects lasting for hours.
What Determines Its Effectiveness?
The HPLC (High Performance Liquid Chromatography) method is used to measure the amount of capsaicin within sprays. Scoville Heat Unit (SHU) testing is also used to measure the hotness of the spray, but this is a subjective test which changes from person to person and does not measure the actual chemical percentage within the product.
Deactivation And First Aid
Though there is no way of completely neutralizing defense spray, its effect can be minimized or stopped. As veteran chili eaters know, capsicum is not soluble in water, and even large volumes of water will have little to no effect on the potency of the spray. It is, however, soluble in fats and oils, and detergents can be used to wash it off.Victims should be encouraged to blink vigorously in order to encourage ears, which will help flush the irritant from the eyes. Some of the oil can be washed off the face using a degreasing, non-oily soap such as a mild dish detergent, and a fan will provide some relief. Some “triple-action” sprays also contain “tear gas” (CS gas), which can be neutralized with sodium metabisulfite (Campden tablets, used in home brewing), though it, too, is fat-soluble and could be washed off to a degree with milk, and some contain a UV “blanketing” dye (little can be done against this, but it’s effects are not nearly as dramatic.)
Legality
Laws on Defense Sprays in the United States differ between states.- Washington, D.C. – Must be registered with the DC Metropolitan Police
- Massachusetts – Defense spray can only be sold to holders of firearm identification cards.
- Other States - In many (but not all) other states, can be purchased at various stores and carried legally by anyone over 18.
- Canada – Defense spray is classified as a prohibited weapon. A number of dog and significantly stronger bear sprays are legal to own. However, use of these items against humans will most likely result in the user being prosecuted.
- United Kingdom – Classed as an offensive weapon, the sale and possession of which is illegal under section five of the Firearms Act.
- Other Countries – Laws vary. You should check the local laws of the country and district in which you live to be sure whether a defense spray is legal for you to carry.
Is Pepper Spray Effective?
by Larry ZolnaPeople often ask me if Pepper Spray really works and will an attacker keep coming if he’s sprayed? Here’s an idea I suggest to them. Just imagine surprising someone by spraying water in his face. What does he do? The person would immediately close his eyes and stop dead in their tracks or even take a step back. This is an involuntary reaction by people and it’s just done with water which won’t hurt you. They would sputter and yell and wipe their face but they would be instantly OK but if he were an attacker, he could still be a danger to you. Try it sometimes with a friend and watch the reactions but be ready to make a strong apology for scaring the heck out of them. Now, imagine if the water were Pepper Spray which contains the ingredient Oleoresin Capsicum (OC). This is a natural substance and derivative of hot cayenne peppers. It is an inflammatory agent which causes temporary blindness and constricted breathing but does not interfere with necessary breathing to sustain life. It can also cause nausea. The effects last up to 45 minutes. The same reaction that occurred with water would still happen, BUT, instead of being instantly OK the person would be temporarily blinded along with uncontrollable coughing and choking and would be that way for up to 45 minutes. This would-be attacker is no longer much of a problem to you. Don’t forget, he’s still a bad guy and still can swing his arms even if he can’t see. Don’t give him the chance – run away screaming to get attention and call 911 on your cell phone. Have them put this creep behind bars where he deserves. Some people will tell you that just holding your arm out in front of you with the Pepper Spray and shouting “Stop, I have Pepper Spray” will stop an attacker. Well, maybe! If it does, great – just scram out of there as fast as you can. I, however, wouldn’t give the creep any chance to prepare. Most Pepper Spray has a spray distance of over 6 feet so ‘fire when you see the whites of his eyes.” Let him have it with more than 1 squirt just to be sure your aim was proper. And then, as I’ve said before, just run and call 911. Don’t’ try to be a hero and capture him alone. You disabled him, now get out of there! Every second matters when you’re in trouble. Pepper Spray gives you a chance to use this precious time to get away. Get peace of mind -- Pepper Spray could save your life! Don’t Be the Next Victim!
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Larry_Zolna |
Want To Learn More About Defense Spray?Here are some links to informational articles and resources...
Purchase Defense Sprays
You can purchase defense sprays at a hardware store, firearms store, even a supermarket, depending on your state laws. Pepper spray is also available for purchase online. How Does It Feel To Get Sprayed?
As soon as the spray hits you, your eyes will involuntarily close, tear up, and begin burning. Defense Spray: Facts And Misconceptions.
One of the biggest misconceptions about defense spray is that the higher the percentage, the hotter and better it works. In most cases this could not be further from the truth. How to protect yourself with defense spray.
Defense spray protection is the most popular self-defense tool of choice for both women and men. This is because it is convenient to carry, easy to deploy, and effective at stopping attackers. The Benefits Of Pepper Spray Rings
You can buy defense spray in the form of a ring that fits on your finger...They are attractive little numbers containing up to two seconds’ worth of spray. Defense Spray Vs Stun Gun
Which is better for you to carry? More effective? Easier to use? Mace Spray: One In Every Six Women Is Assaulted In Her Lifetime.
The bottom line is: You need to protect yourself. Mace sprays are excellent means of self-defense. Timing--Key To Effective Use Of Defense Spray
One of the keys to effective use of defense spray is timing. Exactly when to bring pepper spray out on an attacker can be critical to the result of the situation. Benefits Of Defending Yourself With A Defense Spray
When a person is sprayed their eyes will literally clamp shut meaning they cannot see at all. If the person is standing, they will immediately be brought to their knees in a coughing fit and will be left with the ability to breath only small amount. Legality Of Use Of Defense Spray
Depending where you are in the world affects the legality of pepper spray. As a result you need to know where pepper spray is legal for personal security and where it is not.
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