Varied Uses Of Pepper Spray
Pepper spray has been in use for years as a weapon for personal self-defense. It's made in canisters small enough to fit easily into your purse or pocket and even comes in finger rings and key-chains. It's meant to disable someone trying to accost you, at least long enough for you to get away from the situation, and it works.
Police officers have long carried this or some other similar acting spray as part of their uniform dress, right next to their pistol. Using a spray rather than a bullet is sometimes the right choice, and cops like to have all the options available. There are instances where a spray will not completely disable the attacker, but this is rare. Usually it's effective at doing the job.
The name 'pepper' comes from the main ingredient, capsicum, which is derived from the fruit of certain pepper plants. The capsicum is extracted using a solvent such as ethanol. The solvent is then evaporated and the remaining waxy substance, called oleoresin capsicum, is emulsified with polypropylene glycol (anti-freeze) so it can be suspended in water and pressurized into aerosol form. Capsicum is also made into ammunition used to shoot out of paintball guns to for use non-lethal riot control. It's also very effective in this application.
Pepper spray is what's known as a lachrymatory agent, which means it will affect the eyes, specifically the tear ducts. It will make your eyes burn and water and you'll be forced to close them to lessen the pain. Being sprayed is a definite drag. Try to avoid it!
It's also an inflammatory agent and will cause immediate coughing, difficult breathing and runny nose. This will continue for 30-45 minutes normally, but residual effects can last much longer, even several hours. Some people aren't as sensitive to the effects as others and are less likely to be stopped with just one shot of spray. Be aware it doesn't work the same on everyone, just most people (and animals).
Here's some good advice. Try not to ever get sprayed with this stuff. It's a bummer. If you're in a crowd where it's being used by police to control a demonstration or riot, cover your mouth and eyes and try to stay upwind. Then get out of there!
Believe it or not, there are conventions of war between countries which forbids the use of pepper spray because it's a 'riot control agent' and, even though it's non-lethal, it's still a banned substance from the art of warfare. There are some funny rules out there, but this has to take the cake! Nukes are okay, but nix on the P.Spray.
Pepper spray is a good deterrent. Every woman should have a can in her purse, just in case. It's better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it. Think about it.
About the Author: Mike Ward is the owner of Protection Depot, a leading distributor of pepper spray and stun guns. For more information about pepper spray and other personal security products, please visit Protection Depot.
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