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Pepper Spray Questions and Answers
Pepper spray is considered to be more effective than tear gas for several
reasons. First, the reaction to pepper spray is involuntary, meaning it
works on everyone, even if they feel no pain. Pepper spray will also
work on animals for the same reason. Second, while pepper spray needs to
be sprayed into the eyes or inhaled to be effective, it will not vaporize as
tear gas does. Third, pepper spray works quicker than mace, and also
wears off quicker. Tear gas chemical residue can actually last for days.
Because there are advantages to each, some products contain both pepper
spray and a tear gas, along with a dye.
Mace is technically a brand name for a type of tear gas, but has incorrectly
become widely used to describe all types of self-defense sprays.
Pepper spray is very effective, and is used by practically every law
enforcement agency in the country. It is non-lethal, and will help an
average person escape from an attacker.
Because it causes no lingering health issues, people that have pepper spray
are more likely to use it to save themselves. It is also inexpensive and
there are few legal restrictions.
On the other hand, pepper spray may take a few seconds to be effective, and
could be used against you if the attacker takes it away. It may not work
as well in rain or wind, and could also blow back in the face of the person
that sprayed it.
How do I measure the effectiveness
of pepper spray?
The OC% of pepper spray tells how much OC is in the container relative to
other ingredients. The most common OC% is 10%. However, the OC% is
not the most important rating--the SHU rating is. The SHU rating
measures Scoville Heat Units, which is actual heat of the pepper spray.
The heat comes from the amount of capsaicin, which varies between
manufactureres.
OC does not degrade over time, but the container itself will degrade, causing
failures when you actually need to spray. Also, the container may leak
out the aerosol propellant over the years. For these reasons, pepper
spray will have an expiration date, and you should plan to replace your spray
after the expiration date.
It is a good idea to test your spray every 90 days. Of course, this
will reduce the contents a little, but will give you piece of mind.
It may take up to 3-5 seconds before the pepper spray take effect, and the
effects can last up until an hour. Certainly you will have enough time
to get help.
If you buy a product with a UV dye, it will wear off in about a week.
Pepper spray should be used anytime you feel the need to protect either
yourself or another person. However, if you are simply trying to stop
someone from escaping with something they stole from you, it would be a
mistake, and probably a crime, to use pepper spray.
Keep your pepper spray at room temperature if possible, and of course, away
from children. Try not to leave it in your car during the summer because
of the heat.
When you carry the pepper spray, keep it in a place where you can draw it
quickly. Try several different places, and practice getting it into
firing position as quickly as possible.
When you buy pepper spray, take it out into an open area and test how it
sprays. Notice how far it travels, how it reacts to wind, and how the
stream looks.
If you encounter an attacker, keep as much distance between you as
possible, and don't threaten with the spray. Just fire 2 or 3 second
bursts directly into the eyes of the attacker. As soon as the threat is
stopped, run immediately and call the police.
Yes, pepper spray will work on dogs and wild animals. However, if you
feel the need to protect yourselves from animals, you might consider a product
specifically formulated for deterring attacks by bears or dogs.
Most states allow you to possess and carry pepper spray. However, you
might want to check with your local authorities. Some exceptions include
New York, Michigan, and Wisconsin.
It is now illegal to carry pepper spray onto an airplane, unless it is in your
checked luggage.
It only takes water, soap, and persistence to remove pepper spray.
Remove all contaminated clothing and flush the affected areas with cool water
(do not use warm water). Do not rub your face.
Wash the affected areas with non-oil or cold cream based soap. If you
use oily lotions, they may trap the OC resin to your skin.
If any irritation or pain persists after you are finished, see a physician.
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