Use Pepper Spray for Self-defense Safely!

Pepper spray is a chemical agent that can incapacitate people by causing involuntary muscle spasms and temporarily impairing vision, speech, and other senses. It is used primarily in self-defense or law enforcement, but can also be an animal repellant or used to create a hazardous area.

Pepper spray for self-defense consists of pepper particles dispersed in a fuel. The active ingredient capsaicinoids present in the substance cause pain to the eyes and respiratory tract along with temporary blindness, as well as decreased ability to breathe for up to one hour after exposure. You must know the safety of pepper spray when it comes to being safe at your job (and having a weekend).

Currently, pepper spray is approved for use by civilians outside of the United States. In Australia, Canada, and the United Kingdom it is not considered a firearm or restricted item; although in some countries it is still illegal to have it in open view without a permit (usually a medical prescription).

Features and Ingredients:

Pepper spray for self-defense is a type of spray that is widely used in self-defense and by law enforcement officers against criminal assailants. The contents of a typical can vary depending on the tester but can contain pepper flakes, oleoresin capsicum (OC), liquid or freeze-dried habanero peppers, alcohol, and other ingredients.

The active ingredient in pepper spray is usually either OC or either Oc-12 or capsaicinoids. Pepper spray is often mischaracterized as being carcinogenic due to the presence of oleoresin capsicum in them. Pepper spray is an inflammatory agent, an irritant, and a lachrymator. It works by causing severe inflammation to the membranes of the eyes, nose, mouth, skin, or lungs; causing sneezing, pain, and temporary blindness.

The effects are usually temporary but can last for up to half an hour. Pepper spray is used for self-defense because pepper spray temporarily disables an attacker by causing intense coughing fits and difficulty breathing which can lead to temporary immobilization allowing the victim to escape unharmed.

The Effects of Pepper Spray:

The effect of pepper spray on humans is extremely painful. People affected can feel a strong burning pain on contact with the chemical, which produces an effect described as "an instant sunburn". It has been suggested that this is caused by capsaicin binding to voltage-gated nociceptive C-fibers in the trigeminal nerve, but there is no evidence to support this.

Symptoms include temporary blindness and mucous membrane irritations. The pain caused by pepper spray is due to its active ingredient, capsaicin, which is the chemical in chili peppers that makes them hot. The effects of pepper spray are temporary in terms of pain and incapacitation, lasting between 15 and 45 minutes depending upon whether it gets into the victim’s eyes or not.

The incapacitation can be prolonged with repeated exposure to the eyes (as much as a few hours) and can cause severe eye damage if not washed out promptly. There are also many cases where a person has gotten off with no ill effects at all after being sprayed. "There is a myth that OC pepper sprays are totally harmless.

How to Use a Pepper Spray for Self-defense Safely?

Pepper spray is a powerful form of self-defense often found in civilian hand-held canisters. While the item is legal, it should be treated with respect as an effective measure. Pepper spray for self-defense can be used either in a point-blank or sweeping manner, which will also depend on your level of training.

Some experts recommend sweeping it at an attacker's face once for every five feet you advance toward them. When in a crowded area or against multiple attackers, pepper spray may be advisable to use in the form of a cloud.

The main chemical in pepper spray is oleoresin capsicum (O.C.). O.C. is a natural substance found in chili peppers and it has recently been synthesized for use in self-defense products, including sprays such as Mace, Parkside, and many others. O.C., once released from the canister/spray nozzle, penetrates the skin causing a burning sensation that will cause an attacker to drop their weapon(s) or flee immediately (wearing gloves while using oneself may reduce pain).