Pepper Spray -- Some Basic Facts
Pepper Spray (Oleoresin Capsicum or OC) is a naturally occurring substance derived from the oily resins in cayenne and other types of pepper. The active ingredient in Pepper Spray is produced below the stem of the pepper.
Pepper Spray is an inflammatory agent, so contact with the eyes, nose and throat will cause immediate but temporary blindness and uncontrolled coughing and wheezing, cutting off all but breathing for life support. It can also cause nausea. Pepper Spray is non-toxic and non-lethal and the attacker will recover completely without any permanent harmful effects.
OC is an oily substance and not very soluble in water, so if the Pepper Spray gets on you, don't touch your eyes or rub the affected area. If you do rub, you're just going to make the effects last longer. Just rinse the area with cold water for up to 5 minutes or more and be sure to wash your hands thoroughly with something to remove the oily resin. Baby shampoo is a good choice.
Many people have heard of the term SHU in regards to Pepper Spray but what does it mean? Scoville Heat Units (SHU's) measure the "hotness" of peppers. The higher the SHU number, the hotter the pepper, so a sweet bell pepper has an SHU rating of 0 while a hot cayenne pepper used for Pepper Spray can have an SHU rating of over 5 milllion. Most Pepper Sprays on the market have an SHU rating of 1.5 to 5 million, but the average range is generally 2-3 million SHU.
Pepper Spray comes in different concentrations. There are 3 main indicators that show how effective a Pepper Spray will be: 1) The SHU number (higher is hotter); 2) the type of agent that holds the OC in solution to help with the dispersal; and 3) the size of the droplets as they are sprayed. The smallest droplets are the most effective because these are absorbed in the eyes and lungs most quickly.
Pepper Spray is usually sold in 3 different types of dispersal canisters:
Stream-type Pepper Spray goes out like a water pistol but you must aim at the face so you should shoot in a fan-like direction for maximum effect. With the Stream type, you have little problem with blow-back of the product towards you and the stream usually travels over 6 feet or more.
The Fogger type of Pepper Spray is easier to aim because it comes out in a mist with small particles for quicker effect and is especially good to break up a crowd of bad guys. It will, however, blow back towards the user in a wind and has a shorter travel range.
Foam Pepper Spray hits the attacker like shaving cream but the effects won't leave just because he wipes it off his skin. There is little problem with blow-back to the user.
The bottom line is that no matter which type of Pepper Spray you use, it works! Since it is an inflammatory agent, it will cause the attacker's mucous membranes (eyes, nose, throat and lungs) to react automatically and if he can't see you (temporary blindness) or has trouble catching his breath, you have the time to run and call 911 for help. And, Pepper Spray can't just be wiped off, so it will continue to work on the attacker for up to 45 minutes. Next time he'll think twice...
Don't Become a Crime Statistic -- Pepper Spray can save your life.
To find out more and to purchase Pepper Spray, please click on this link:
www.feelsafeandsecure.com/pepper_spray.html
Feel Safe and Secure is a seller of home security products, self defense products and wireless hidden cameras. To view these products, please visit our website:
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About the Author: Larry Zolna is an author for Feel Safe and Secure, a website offering Home Security and Self Defense Products as well as Wireless Hidden Cameras. Please visit http://www.feelsafeandsecure.com for more information on these products and Don't Be the Next Victim!
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