Pepper spray, also known as OC (Oleoresin Capsicum) spray, is a non-lethal self-defense weapon that consists of an aerosol type container, small enough to be carried in a pocket, purse or keychain (other presentations include lipstick cases, walking weights (all of these are designed to fool any attacker into believing you are not protected, thus adding the surprise factor to your advantage), batons and guns). When you point your pepper spray towards the attacker‘s face and push the fire button, the device will immediately expel an oily, reddish-orange liquid (insoluble in water) up to 25 feet away (depending on the pepper spray model you choose). The attacker will be incapacitated for 15-60 minutes, giving you or your loved one the necessary time to run to safety.
What specific effects will my pepper spray have on an attacker?
According to The European Parliament Scientific and Technological Options Assessment (STOA), the pepper spray will cause: 15-30 minutes of temporary blindness, 45-60 minutes of a burning sensation of the skin, 3-15 minutes of upper body spasms (which will force the assailant to bend forward), 3-15 minutes of uncontrollable coughing, and 3-15 minutes of breathing and speaking difficulties. Overall, the symptoms will last from 15-60 minutes, with decreased effects lasting for hours. The aggressor will be unable to attack, immediately becoming vulnerable and dependent.
In the vast majority of cases, the assailant will not suffer any permanent consequences. For instance, a study published in 2000 by the Journal of Investigative Ophthalmology and Visual Science concluded that a single exposure of the eye to OC is harmless and will cause no lasting decrease in visual acuity. However, repeated exposures can affect corneal sensitivity in the long run. But hopefully you will not confront the same aggressor twice in a lifetime: the attacker would be a fool if he or she tried to attack again, knowing you are so well protected.
What are the ingredients in pepper spray? And what is UV Dye?
The principal ingredient of pepper sprays is a chemical known as “Oleoresin Capsicum” (OC), an oily extract of pepper plants of the genus Capsicum (used as a spice in chili, hot sauces, etc.). The active ingredient, “Capsaicin” (8-methyl-N-vanillyl-6-nonenamide), is an inflammatory agent derived from the fruit of plants in the Capsicum genus.
Depending on brand, the canister may also contain (as liquid carriers) water, alcohol and organic solvents. As propellants (to discharge the canister contents) it may contain nitrogen, carbon dioxide, or halogenated hydrocarbons.
Additionally, some pepper sprays may contain tear gas as well, which is a strong irritant that works primarily by inflicting pain on the aggressor. They may also contain special dyes (such as "UV dye", or "Ultra-Violet" dye) which is an invisible (and not easily washed off) chemical that may later help police officers identify your would-be-aggressor in case he is apprehended. Some Mace brand models we carry are an excellent examples of these (take the MACE 10% Pepper Gel with UV Dye Large Model, for instance).
Take into account two important measures to find out which pepper spray is the most powerful: OC concentrations and SHU units.
OC concentrations varies between 10% to 18%. The higher the percentage of OC, the most powerful the pepper (OC) spray will be (thus, the most powerful pepper sprays in existence are definitively the Wildfire 18% Hot Pepper Sprays; we would recommend the Wildfire 18% Pepper Gel model; please refer to the next question to find out why we think pepper gels are among the best types of pepper sprays available). You should take into account that the highest percentage allowed by law may vary depending on where you live (check our Pepper Sprays Laws section for details).
Pepper Sprays also have a “SHU” (Scoville Heat Units) rating that varies between 2-3 million units. The higher the SHU units, the higher the hotness, piquancy and effectiveness of this lawful kind of self-defense.
What these terms refer to is to the way the pepper formula is delivered when it is propelled out of the pepper spray canister. Let’s define each method briefly before giving you our opinion on which one we think is the best:
GEL: This pepper spray’s components are suspended in gel instead of liquid. This actually offers a very important advantage: some models (for instance: the MACE 10% Pepper Gel with UV Dye Large Model and the MACE 10% Pepper Gel with UV Dye Magnum Model) can propel the pepper formula as far as 18 feet away, resulting in one of the longest range pepper spray available on the market. The pepper gel will stick to the would-be-assailant’s face, maximizing the chances of temporarily disabling him (this gives you the much needed chance to escape from an otherwise dangerous situation). If the criminal ever tries to wipe the gel away from his face he will only make matters worst for himself, as the gel will be grounded on his face and eyes, intensifying its incapacitating effects. Pepper gel provides strong blowback protection under windy conditions, which means that the only one receiving the pepper components will be the criminal, even if the wind is blowing in your direction (you should always exercise caution in cases like these, anyways, especially if the wind force is too strong).
Pepper Gel examples are:
FOAM: While other kinds of pepper sprays uses liquid to suspend its components, these pepper sprays use a thick foam (similar to shaving cream) to deliver its powerful inflammatory agents. The foam will cover the criminal’s face (making it difficult for him to see) while delivering its inflammatory effects on impact. If the assailant ever tries to wipe the foam away it will be so much worse for him: he will find out that the pepper foam is a sticky substance that will be grounded into his face and eyes, intensifying its incapacitating effects. One advantage of foam pepper sprays is that they provide strong blowback protection under windy conditions, which means that the only one receiving the pepper components will be the criminal, even if the wind is blowing in your direction (you should always exercise caution in cases like these, anyways, especially if the wind force is too strong). Foam pepper sprays are able to fire away its contents for as far as 8-10 feet, providing a safe distance between you and the would-be aggressor.
Examples of Foam Pepper Sprays are:
FORCED CONE: This type of pepper sprays are designed to fire its inflammatory agents in a spray fashion. They are known as “forced cone” pepper sprays because the mist comes out thinner from the pepper spray canister and it gets wider and wider as it travels through the air, forming a “cone” pattern that reaches a maximum width of approximately two feet. The pepper formula comes out with enough force, so it can reach a maximum distance of 8 to 12 feet (these helps to provide a safe distance between you and the would-be-aggressor). Because the pepper solution is delivered in super-fine droplets that are propelled from the canister with force, the probabilities that the wind will blowback the pepper formula on you are adequately minimized (but not as much as in other presentations such as foam pepper sprays: that means you should always exercise enough caution under windy conditions, anyways).
STREAM: This pepper spray variation delivers its inflammatory components through a solid stream of oily liquid, in a way that is quite similar to a water gun. But the similarities with a water guns ends just there: the would-be criminal won’t be able to resist the very hot disabling effects of these pepper sprays and will be temporarily incapacitated! Although it is quite easy to hit your target if you aim relatively well, other presentations (for instance: a forced cone) provides an even higher probability of hitting your target successfully (by its very nature, a stream mostly has a tubular form as it travels through the air, while a cone gets wider the farther it travels). The probabilities that the wind will blowback the pepper formula on you are adequately minimized (but not as much as in other presentations such as foam pepper sprays: that means you should always exercise enough caution under windy conditions, anyways).
Examples of Stream Pepper Sprays are:
FOGGER: These pepper sprays are designed to be used mostly in interiors, such as home and office environments (among other places such as automobiles at stoplights). These actually makes them useful in certain situations, such as a wife trying to defend herself against an abusive husband (in a domestic violence situation), or a young woman trying to escape from a date rape. Foggers are not usually recommended for exteriors because the wind might blow the spray back to you, though that doesn’t mean they can’t be used outside if you exercise enough caution (that way you won‘t receive any residual blast from the spray). You should take into account that even if the wind blows back some pepper spray formula on you (when used in exteriors), it will most likely be significantly less than the amount of pepper spray that your would-be aggressor will receive: the assailant will be incapacitated, while you will feel some effects but won’t be incapacitated (which means you will be able to escape). The fogger pepper spray has a maximum fire range of about 8 feet.
Examples of Fogger Pepper Sprays are:
Which one would be recommend to you, the pepper gel? The foam? The stream? The forced cone…or the fogger? It all depends on your lifestyle and particular needs. For example, if you are a housewife and barely leave your home, the fogger would be an acceptable choice because you spend your time mostly indoors. You might even go for the stream pepper spray or a forced cone. You don’t necessarily need more than that.
If you spend as much time indoors as outdoors, you may choose either a stream pepper spray or a forced cone. The foam or gel pepper spray wouldn’t be bad decisions either. However, if you are the kind of person who lives mostly outdoors, we would definitively recommend you the foam or gel pepper spray.
Your choice may also depend on the risk involved in any particular you might expect to encounter. For instance, some housewives who barely go out of the house are in such a great risk (for example, being threatened sometimes with a knife by a husband) that they might be better off with a pepper gel, because it would provide her the option of firing the pepper spray while her attacker is still far away from her.
Yet another consideration would be whether or not you plan to use a Stun Gun or TASER® device as part of a back-up plan. If the answer is affirmative, we recommend getting a gel or foam pepper spray (these types propel the formula in a way that minimizes the chances of leaving residuals (like alcohol) floating in the air, thus decreasing the chance of interacting with the TASER® weapon’s sparks and exploding: that way, if you get nervous under the stress of the situation (which is comprehensible) and mistakenly use the pepper gel or foam first and THEN the TASER® device or Stun Gun, there will be an almost inexistent chance of accidental burns).
Pepper spray is an inflammatory agent, not an irritant like tear gas. Because inflammatory agents (pepper sprays) rely more on creating symptoms such as temporary blindness, breathing difficulties, coughing and muscle spasms, pepper sprays will always work (no matter if the attacker is on drugs, drunk or is unusually impervious to pain). In other words, pepper sprays will work even if a drugged attacker can feel no pain.
The same cannot be said about irritants like tear gas, though. Irritants rely more on pain infliction to be effective. Because sensitivity to pain may be greatly decreased in drugged aggressors, tear gas may or may not be effective in those situations. In other words, you will not be able to predict the outcome of your self-defense attempt using tear gas alone, because you will never know in advance if an adversary will be under the influence of drugs or not. Irritants will work mainly on non-drugged individuals.
Therefore, pepper sprays are more reliable when compared to tear gas alone. Pepper sprays can protect you against all kinds of attackers (tear gas can’t). Because of this, ProtectionNation.com won’t sell sprays whose exclusive component is tear gas (we will sell tear gas units only when OC is one of the main components: although alone it has the aforementioned limitations, tear gas is an excellent complement to pepper sprays because of its added effects on the aggressor; excellent examples of this are:
While other websites may offer you a larger inventory of products, we pride ourselves on offering you only what’s really effective and reliable. We don’t want you (or your loved ones) facing dangerous situations thinking you’re protected…when you are really not. You can really trust our pepper sprays!
Why are pepper sprays necessary?
Even with today’s relatively low crime rates, the average American has an 80% chance of becoming the victim of a violent crime over the course of a lifetime.. Anyone (men and women alike) can potentially become a victim of robbery, assault, rape, kidnapping, murder, domestic violence, carjacking, and household burglary, among many other forms of crime.
No matter how well police officers or our family protectors do their jobs, they are not omnipresent forces and can’t always be around every time the need arises. Trouble usually arrives when you (or your loved ones) least expect it. So it is a very intelligent idea to have an effective and reliable alternative for those cases when danger must be faced alone. Chances are that you or a loved one may be outweighed, outsized, and out-muscled by your opponent, so a non-lethal weapon will be needed to provide the necessary edge to survive. Pepper Sprays are an extremely important part of an effective self-defense strategy.
Pepper sprays are very easy to use. When walking through a potentially dangerous area, have your pepper spray out in your hand (always be prepared). Disengage the device’s safety latch or flip-top safety cap. If an assailant approaches you, take aim and fire toward his face, keeping enough space between you and the attacker to prevent the spray from affecting you. Take into account the direction of the wind and shield your face when firing, as a preventive measure. Spraying the attacker for 1-2 seconds will be enough in most cases. Then run for safety.
ProtectionNation.com recommends Dough Lamb’s handbook, “The Facts About Defense Sprays and How To Use Them To Bring Criminals To Their Knees”, published by the American Security Institute, as a must-read complement to your pepper spray purchase. For just $6.95, it trains you in a more detailed way on the many aspects of owning and using your pepper spray in many self defense situations.
Should I practice with my pepper spray before actually using it in an emergency situation?
Please practice using your pepper spray as soon as you get one, before you actually need it. You don’t want to find yourself trying to figure out how it works while under attack. A good practice is to test it outdoors with a short blast at least every three months, to make sure it is working properly. Take into account the direction of the wind before testing, and always shield your face when firing. NEVER practice using a human being or animal as a target. Using the pepper spray for any purpose other than self-defense is a felony under the law.
How far away from the attacker can I be when using my pepper spray?
Depending on the model and size, pepper sprays have a range between 12 inches and 25 feet; a more affordable model (our MACE 10% Pepper Gel with UV Dye Large Model) can propel its pepper formula as far as 18 feet away. Please read the information about the specific model you are considering for details about the firing range of that specific pepper spray you are considering to buy.
How many times can I use my pepper spray?
Pepper sprays can be fired several times. Exactly how many times is determined by the size of the unit. See each individual pepper spray’s features section for details.
Yes. You should take into account that your stun weapon’s sparks can ignite flammable liquids (such as alcohol, contained as a carrier in some pepper sprays). This is specially true if: (1) you are using a fogger or forced cone pepper spray (these types disperse the pepper formula through the air instead of delivering it in a stream, increasing the chances of interaction between the pepper spray still in the air and the stun weapon’s sparks; see Pepper Spray's FAQ section for details on the different types of pepper sprays); (2) you use your pepper spray indoors (there is no wind to take away the residual spray floating in the air). So NEVER use a stun weapon AFTER spraying a fogger or forced cone pepper spray, at least not in the same area (serious burns may result as the alcohol sprayed in the air reacts with the stun weapon’s sparks).
That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t carry both a Pepper Spray and a TASER® device or Stun Gun as part of your self-defense strategic plan. In fact, we do think you should carry both methods of self-protection (as we do). That way, if one option fails for one reason or another, you can still count on the remaining alternative (police officers always carry a “plan B” alternative, and so should you).
To minimize the chances of your stun gun’s sparks interacting with your pepper spray’s alcohol carriers, we offer the following recommendations: (1) Use the stun gun exclusively as your first alternative, and leave the pepper spray as a troubleshooting solution (there will be no harm if you use the stun gun and THEN use the pepper spray, because there will be no sparks to interact with the pepper spray by then); (2) Get a gel or foam pepper spray (examples of these are: the MACE Pepper Gel, the 2 oz Wildfire 18% Pepper Gel or the MACE 10% Pepper Foam with UV Dye Large Model); these types of pepper sprays propel the OC formula in a way that minimizes the chances of leaving residuals floating in the air, thus decreasing the chance of interacting with the stun gun’s sparks: that way, if you get nervous under the stress of the situation (which is comprehensible) and mistakenly use the pepper gel or foam first and THEN the stun gun, there will be an almost inexistent chance of accidental burns).
Do Pepper Sprays have expiration dates?
Yes, they do. The expiration date is always shown somewhere on the canister, so be sure to look for it and keep this important piece of information in mind. Pepper sprays will have a life-term of at least one year or more. Always replace your pepper spray with a new one after the expiration date. We do not advice attempting self-defense with an already expired spray.
Many experts recommends replacing your pepper spray every year. Remember that that the aftermath of not living a preventive life has higher costs than investing in self-defense.
Do pepper sprays work all the time?
Nothing in life works all the time. There are no infallible weapons. Even guns may not always work. Neither does martial arts.
The same goes for pepper sprays. Some factors may intervene in a situation that may decrease the effectiveness of this lawful kind of self-defense. But that doesn’t stop police officers and civilians from using these protection devices, because pepper sprays are really useful in most situations.
We recommend owning a TASER® device or a stun gun as well, as an alternative. That way, if one option fails for one reason or another, you always have a back-up plan.
However, you should take into account that your Stun Gun or TASER® device’s sparks can ignite flammable liquids (such as alcohol, contained as a carrier in some pepper sprays). So NEVER use a stun weapon AFTER spraying a fogger or forced cone pepper spray, at least not in the same area (serious burns may result as the alcohol sprayed in the air reacts with the stun weapon’s sparks). Use the stun weapon exclusively as your first alternative, and leave the pepper spray as a troubleshooting solution (there will be no harm if you use the TASER® device and THEN use the pepper spray, because there will be no sparks to interact with the pepper spray by then). Or you can use a gel or foam pepper spray (examples of these are: the MACE Pepper Gel, the 2 oz Wildfire 18% Pepper Gel or the MACE 10% Pepper Foam with UV Dye Large Model); these types propel the formula in a way that minimizes the chances of leaving residuals (like alcohol) floating in the air, thus decreasing the chance of interacting with the stun weapon’s sparks: that way, if you get nervous under the stress of the situation (which is comprehensible) and mistakenly use the pepper gel or foam first and THEN the stun weapon, there will be an almost inexistent chance of accidental burns).
In which situations pepper sprays’ effectiveness may decrease?
As we really want you to be safe, we discuss pepper sprays’ shortcomings, along with recommendations for alternative courses of action:
(1) If the attacker is wearing glasses, the spray may not be as effective. In these cases, be sure you aim toward his nose. The pepper spray will have it’s effects if it reaches the attacker’s mucous membranes.
(2) Pepper sprays can be blown off target by the wind and affect you. Take into account the direction of the wind before firing (and always shield your face). You may also choose a pepper gel (see our MACE 10% Pepper Gel with UV Dye Large Model, for instance) or a foam presentation (such as MACE 10% Pepper Foam with UV Dye Large Model), as both types of pepper sprays provide strong blowback protection under windy conditions.
(3) Inclement weather can affect the pepper spray effectiveness. We recommend also carrying a TASER® device or a stun gun in these cases.
What are the chances of an attacker taking the pepper spray away from me and using it against me?
You must keep in mind that ANY weapon can be taken away from you and used against you (even a gun). While there’s always the possibility of an attacker taking the pepper spray away from you and using it against you, the fact that the defense is initiated by you, plus your pepper spray's effectiveness, greatly decreases the chances of that event happening. The most probable outcome will be a successful self defense action on your part.
On the other hand, if someone gets to take your weapon away from you, you would certainly prefer that weapon to be a non-lethal one (like a pepper spray) and NOT a lethal one (like a gun). If someone uses your own pepper spray against you, at least you would not get seriously injured and you would not die.
Are pepper sprays affected by temperature?
Yes. The canister may leak or burst under temperatures that exceed 130 degrees F or drop below -15 degrees F. Take care not to leave your pepper sprays in areas with such extreme temperatures. For instance, do not leave your pepper spray in your car in direct sunlight. And of course, do not puncture or incinerate the canister. Contents under pressure.
How do I deactivate the pepper spray’s effect in a case of accidental application on myself?
Accidental application would be a improbable event, specially if you use the pepper spray with all the necessary precautions (remember: these devices are not toys). Moreover, the canister also has a safety latch or flip-top safety cap to prevent accidental discharge. Nonetheless, if accidental contact with the inflammatory agent does occur anyways, please apply one or more of the following first aid remedies:
(1) Blink vigorously. Tears will help flush the inflammatory agent from your eyes. Avoid touching the affected area because the chemical may spread to other unaffected areas of the body and prolong the burning sensation.
(2) Wash the compound off with water and a soap, shampoo or any detergent. Even large volumes of water alone will not wash the chemical by itself (capsaicin, the pepper spray’s active ingredient, is not soluble in water).
(3) Another option is to rub it off using oily compounds such as vaseline, vegetable oils, polyethylene glycol, and paraffin oil.
(4) Apply milk to the affected area. It has been shown to provide some relief.
(5) Cooling the area with cold water, ice, or a cold surface may help.
(6) Expose to fresh air. Using a fan may provide some relief as well.
After the necessary first aid measures have been taken, getting medical attention is advisable.
How are Pepper Sprays better than other every day objects used as weapons?
Many people carry with them pens, pencils, keys protruding between their fingers, and umbrellas, among others everyday objects, hoping that these objects will serve them as effective self defense weapons. Although these may come in handy when other methods of self defense are not available, they also have less potential of actually stopping an attack in any effective way. Chances are the aggressor may get angry and intensify his attack, after being ineffectively attacked by you.
Pencils and keys (for example) can do a lot of unwanted physical damage, while the possibility of blood transmitted infections (such as hepatitis and AIDS) may increase as wounds are inflicted (remember that some attackers may have substance abuse related problems). The attacker may even take the pencil away from you and use it the same way you used it on him, increasing the risks of leaving you with wounds and scars.
Other people opt to carry knives and guns as methods of self defense. Not only can these objects have the potential of being classified as concealed weapons, but the possibility of serious injuries or even death increases for both you and the attacker (as the result of a possible direct contact struggle).
Unlike pencils and knives, Pepper Sprays are designed to quickly stop an attacker in a way that is safer for both you and the aggressor, without the aforementioned complications.
Can pepper sprays kill somebody?
Not really. Like previously mentioned, pepper sprays are not lethal weapons. They even help in reducing injuries to both would-be victims and attackers.
However, some data suggests that in relatively rare occasions, attackers with asthma or under the influence of drugs might die when the active ingredient is discharged on them. But many more criminals have died as the result of being attacked by the defender with traditional (bullets) guns, pencils and knives, regardless the presence or absence of medical problems. Would you doubt using a non-lethal pepper spray against someone threatening to kill a dear family member of yours (or a friend), just because he might have an improbable chance of dying? Your security must always be your first concern anyways, because the one who may die or be seriously injured is YOU (or your loved one), NOT the attacker.
To reduce the already minimum chances of the assailant’s death, do not continue to spray an already incapacitated assailant. Remember that you must not become an attacker yourself, out of anger. Your next step after a responsible defense should be to run for safety.
Never use a pepper spray on someone who is not physically attacking you (or threatening to attack you physically). ProtectionNation.com doesn’t promote these devices for attack purposes, but for lawful self-defense behaviors exclusively.
Pepper sprays are popular with ordinary citizens because they are small, easy-to-use, effective and legal in most areas. In fact, an estimated 15,000,000 Americans carry some form of pepper sprays as an effective way to defend themselves and their families.
But, as with every rule, there are some exceptions. Pepper sprays are not legal in a small number of states and cities. Please refer to our “Pepper Sprays Laws” section for details.
Please take into account that any secured location where you pass through a security checkpoint (such as Federal and State buildings) may prohibit carrying pepper sprays. Commercial aircrafts consider carrying these devices as a federal crime (the FBI and the Transportation Security Administration will very much want to speak with you if you break the law).
Always remember that it is your responsibility to use pepper sprays in a responsible and legal manner, exclusively for self defense purposes. Using the pepper spray for any purpose other than self-defense is a felony under the law. Pepper sprays are not toys.
ProtectionNation.com carries a large selection of alternative self-defense devices, such as TASER® devices, stun guns and personal alarms, among others. Be sure to check them out. You will find additional information in the corresponding device’s information section. There you should be able to choose the right option for your specific needs.
What if I have any other question not listed on this FAQ section?
Feel free to contact us at info@protectionnation.com. We promise you'll get a prompt response, within one business day or less. It is our goal to your exceed your expectations for service and fulfillment. It will be our pleasure to serve you.
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