How Pepper Spray Products Work

Pepper spray is the largest selling self defense product in the world. It literally has been in use for thousands of years ever since the Chinese filled bags with hot spices and peppers to throw at their foes.

Law enforcement agencies started using a form of pepper spray after World War II for riot control. Nowadays there isn't a police officer in the country that doesn't carry some kind of pepper spray.

The most common element in pepper spray today is called oleoresin capsicum or OC. It was first developed in the early 1960's as an animal repellent. Later it was approved in 1989 by the FBI for use by special agents and SWAT teams.

Aside from use against human assailants it was found to be effective against domestic and wild animals like bears, dogs and mountain lions. It works so well that the U.S. Postal Service issues OC spray to its letter carriers for their first line defense against dog attacks.

Not until around 1988 was pepper spray available to the general public.

Like other self defense products pepper sprays are meant to disable an assailant for short time allowing you to escape a potentially threatening situation. It should be noted that pepper sprays have some restrictions and limitations in a few states. You should check with your local law enforcement agency or online before you buy one.

Pepper sprays use a derivative of the cayenne pepper. When it's mixed with an emulsifier and suspended in water it is pressurized in an aerosol. It causes the eyes to tear excessively to a point of even temporary blindness, it causes pain, coughing and choking. It may even cause the assailant to have upper body spasms. Breathing becomes extremely difficult. It is some of the nastiest stuff on the planet.

Anybody who has gone through military basic training or law enforcement basic training has been subjected to the effects of a defensive spray. And while it is not comfortable it is also not long-lasting. The effects can last from 30 to 45 minutes.

The best way to overcome an attack of pepper spray is to not rub the spray into the skin but apply some baby shampoo. Blinking the eyes vigorously to encourage tearing to flush the eyes works very well too.

Most pepper sprays have a range of 6 to 12 feet. There is a pepper gun that has a range of 25 feet making it the longest range self defense product you can get. There are several dispersal methods-spray, mist, foam and gel. Pepper gel holds up much better in outdoor conditions.