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Information & facts about stun guns, Mace, pepper
IS PEPPER SPRAY LEGAL?
In most states pepper spray is legal to possess and carry. You should check with your local law enforcement officers or your state's Attorney General's 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.
IS THERE ANYPLACE WHERE I CANNOT CARRY MY PEPPER SPRAY?
Yes. You cannot carry pepper spray on board comercial aircraft. This is a federal crime that can carry up to a $25,000 dollar fine. It is ok to carry pepper spray in your checked baggage, although it is highly advisable that you notify the ticketing agent when you check your baggage. Also, since 9/11/01 you may have issues when carrying pepper spray into secured locations such as a federal building, state building, 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 here.
HOW DOES PEPPER SPRAY WORK?
Pepper spray's active ingredient is OC (oleoresin capsicum). The OC is derived from Cayenne peppers. These are some of the hottest peppers in the world. Unlike MACE or tear gas, which are 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 off all but life support breathing. OC also will create an intense burning sensation on the surface of the skin. However, OC will cause no 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 and/or alochol.
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. Please note 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 or 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 have a saying "Stick and Move": The same applies here. Just remember: SPRAY AND MOVE. Once the threat is eliminated, seek help and call the police. You may also wish to get a Tactical Use of Defense Spray Manual. 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 (oleoresin capsicum). The pure pepper extract is then diluted with an inert ingredient that reduces the SHU (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. 1 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 (except for FOX sprays; they expire 2 years from the manufacture date.). Usually all other sprays expire 2 to 4 years from the date of manufacture. 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 way the wind is blowing. Remember to always stand upwind from the direction you are spraying. Depress the firing mechanism for 1/2 second. This test should be performed upon purchase and then 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 it regulary you will need to replace the unit every 9 to 12 months if you follow the recommended procedure above. See the reference chart on the back of the packaging for additional information.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN PEPPER SPRAY AND TEAR GAS?
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 reasons. Second, while pepper spray needs to be sprayed into the eyes or inhaled to be effective, it will not vaporize as tear gas does. Tear gas chemical residue can actually last for days. Because there are advantages to each, some products contain pepper spray, tear gas, and a UV dye.
WHAT IS MACE?
Mace is technically a brand name for a type of tear gas, but has incorrectly been widely used to describe all types of self-defense sprays.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS AND LIMITATIONS OF PEPPER SPRAY?
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 an attacker.
Because it causes no lingering health issues, people that have pepper spray are 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 used against you if the attacker takes it away. It may not work as well in rain or wind and could blow back in the face of the person who 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 generated by the pepper spray. The heat comes from the amount of the capsaicin, which varies between manufacturers.
WHEN WILL PEPPER SPRAY START TO WORK, AND HOW LONG WILL THE EFFECT LAST?
It may take up to 3 to 5 seconds for the pepper spray to take effect and the effect will last up to an hour. Once you spray--MOVE AWAY FROM THE ASSAILANT. You will certainly have enough time to get help.
If you buy a product with a UV dye, it will wear off in about a week.
HOW SHOULD I STORE 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 quick as possible.
WILL PEPPER SPRAY WORK ON BEARS AND DOGS?
Yes, pepper spray will work on dogs and wild animals. However, if you feel the need to protect yourself from animals, you might consider a product specifically formulated for detering attacks by bears or dogs.
HOW DO I REMOVE PEPPER SPRAY FROM MYSELF?
It only takes soap, water, and persistence to remove pepper spray. Remove all contaminated clothing and flush the affected areas with cool water (do not use hot water). Do not rub your face.
Wash the affected areas with a non-oil or cold cream based soap. If you use a soap with lotions it may trap the OC resin to you skin. See a physician if any irritation or pain persists after you are finished.
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