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 | Frequently Asked Questions |
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Is pepper spray legal?
In most states pepper
spray is legal to possess and carry. You should check with your local law
enforcement office or your states Attorney Generals office for any regulations
your state may have. There are states where pepper spray is legal but there
may be size, age, or OC concentration restrictions. You should check on these
restrictions as well.
NO
PEPPER SPRAY WILL BE SHIPPED TO MASSACHUSETTES OR NEW YORK.
Is there anyplace where I
cannot carry my pepper spray?
Yes. You cannot carry
pepper spray on board commercial aircraft. This is a federal crime. You can
carry pepper spray in your checked baggage although it is advisable that you
notify the ticketing agent when you check your baggage. Since 9/11/01 you may
have issues when carrying pepper spray into secured locations such as federal
buildings, state buildings or anyplace where you pass through a security
checkpoint. Although there are no laws that we are aware of you should use
your common sense.
How does pepper spray work?
Pepper spray's active
ingredient is OC or oleoresin capsicum. The OC is derived from Cayenne peppers
these are some of the hottest peppers in the world. Unlike the original tear
gas, which is an irritants, pepper spray (OC) is an inflammatory agent.
Contact with mucous membranes (eyes, nose, throat and lungs) causes immediate
dilation of the capillaries. This can result in temporary blindness and
instant inflammation of the breathing tube tissues and systematically cuts of
all but life support breathing. OC also will create an intense burning
sensation on the surface of the skin. OC will not cause lasting after effects.
The effects last from 15 to 60 minutes. Because OC is an inflammatory agent
and not an irritant it is effective on those who feel no pain such as
psychotics and those under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
When should I use my
pepper spray?
Although no defense item
is 100% effective in every situation you will need to assess the situation as
it happens. You should ONLY use pepper spray if you are threatened or your
life is in danger. Be aware that it IS a crime to use pepper spray to commit
malicious acts.
How do I use my pepper
spray?
If you have to use your
pepper spray make sure you have distance between you and the threat if at all
possible.
Aim the spray at the eyes
and facial region of the threat then release a 1 to 2 second burst of spray.
After you have done this MOVE out of the way but keep your eyes on the threat.
Pepper spray can take a couple of moments to cause a reaction and by watching
the reactions of the threat you will be able to determine if you will require
another shot of pepper spray. Boxers and kick-boxers will strike and move.
When using pepper spray spray and move, spray and move! Once the threat is
neutralized seek help and call the police. You may also wish to buy a Tactical
Use of Pepper Spray manual from our Self
Defense Books & Videos page. It is loaded with useful tips on using
defense sprays.
What is pepper spray made
of?
Pepper spray is a
derivative of Cayenne pepper. The oils are extracted from the pepper using a
high-pressure process. This process leaves you with the active ingredient in
pepper spray known as OC or OleoResin Capsicum. The pure pepper extract is
then diluted with an inert ingredient that reduces the SHU or Scoville Heat
Unit to get it down to a useable SHU for pepper spray. SHU is a unit of
measurement that determines how hot something is the rating goes from 1
million SHU up to 5 million SHU. One million SHU is detectable on the palette
in concentrations as little as 1 part per million or 1 drop of OC in 1 million
drops of water. All of our sprays are 2 million SHU and in much higher
concentrations than 1 part per million.
Will my pepper spray
expire?
Yes. That is why we print
an expiration date on every can of pepper spray. Usually all other sprays
expiration date is 3 to 4 years from the date of purchase. Although the spray
life is indefinite it does start to lose potency over time. Any use of the
spray beyond the expiration date is HIGHLY unadvisable. We strongly advise you
to replace your pepper spray every year! That way you are always assured of
the potency of the spray.
How can I be assured my
pepper spray will work when I need it?
You should get in the
habit of testing your defense spray every 90 days. To do this first go outside
and determine which direction the wind is blowing. Remember to always stand
upwind from the direction you are spraying. Depress the firing mechanism for ½
second. This test should be performed upon purchase and every 90 days after
that. Be aware that every time you test your spray you reduce the contents of
the canister. If you are using a key chain model and you test regularly you
will need to replace the unit every 9 to 12 months if you follow the
recommended testing procedure above. See the reference chart on the back of
the packaging for additional information.
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