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1.
What is pepper spray / defense spray?
The
defense sprays protectmefirst.com carries are humane and
effective. These self defense sprays contain OC Pepper,
Tear Gas, Ultraviolet Dye, or any combination of the three.
They are an effective means of non-lethal self defense for
people concerned with safety and security. Used by police
departments, security agencies, and individuals concerned with
security and self defense. Recommended by the American
Security Institute.
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2.
What are the effects of pepper spray / defense spray?
To
achieve the desired effects, a defense spray must be aimed
towards the face of the aggressor. The general effects of
most defense sprays are disorientation, eyes slamming shut,
restricted breathing, uncontrollable coughing, blindness, and
intense burning sensation. Effects generally last 20 to 30
minutes. As the different formulations work differently
depending upon what chemical compounds are used, please see
"How do some of the different formulations work?" as
well to see what effects your specific formulation will induce.
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3.
Can I use my pepper spray after the expiration date?
 Like
any pressurized aerosol device, over time the unit may not spray
as far as expected, if at all. Mace Brand defense sprays
(and some other brands as well) have an easy to find expiration
date on the unit. We recommend replacing your spray after
the expiration date to ensure that the spray is ready to save
your life should you ever need it. If you have a spray
that does not have an expiration date, please be sure to see
"What if my pepper spray doesn't have an expiration
date?" as well.
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4.
What if my pepper spray doesn't have an expiration date?
If
you are using a spray that does not have an expiration date, the
manufacturer has probably included directions to test the unit
every three months to ensure that it is ready if you should ever
need it. As these sprays do have a limited capacity that
may be exhausted through repeated testing, we highly recommend
that in addition to testing that you replace your spray once a
year. This is the surest way to have the protection you
need when you need it.
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5.
At what temperature should I store my pepper spray?
Do
not leave your defense spray in any area that may exceed 125
degrees F or drop below -15 degrees F. Excessive heat or
cold may cause the can to leak or burst.
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6.
Can I bring pepper spray on an airplane?
The
FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) allows one defense spray
per traveler in your checked luggage only. Sprays are not
allowed in carry-on luggage or at any time in the passenger
area.
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7.
How do some of the different formulations work?
Note:
Formulas may include any combination of the chemicals and
additives below for increased effectiveness.
OC
(Oleoresin Capsicum)
OC
is the latest technology in defense spray compounds and is by
far the most effective of the three major chemical compositions.
When an aggressor is sprayed with OC, two things happen
instantly. The first thing that happens is the attackers
eyes will slam shut fast and hard. If the aggressor
manages to forces their eyes open they will still be unable to
see as the OC dilates the capillaries causing temporary
blindness. At the same time the aggressor will be thrown
into an immediate and uncontrollable cough that causes the
attacker to double over. Breathing is restricted to all
but a the life supporting minimum. The intense burning of
OC will disorient the attacker and make them no longer able to
continue with any aggression. A police trainer was quoted
as saying "It's like being hit with a flame thrower!".
The effects will generally last 20 to 30 minutes. The
American Security Institute recommends a defense spray
containing OC in any formulation and concentration for self
defense by law enforcement and civilians.
CS
(Orthochlorobenzalmalonitrile)
and
CN
(alphachloroacetaphenone)
CS and CN causes intense stinging pain and tearing and is
sometimes commonly referred to as tear gas. Unlike OC
which is an inflammatory agent, these two chemicals are man made
and are irritants to membrane tissues. CS and/or CN will
work extremely well when in a formula that includes OC, however
a formula that contains just one or both of these chemicals (CS
and/or CN) is not recommended for untrained and physically
limited people. This is because CS and CN take longer to
be effective, anywhere from 5 seconds to 30 seconds where the
effects of OC are instant. Although 5 seconds may not
sound very long, when you are under attack it can mean the
difference between life and death. CS and CN also take
longer to wear off and the chemical residue can last for days.
UV
DYE
UV
Dye is not an active chemical in defense sprays but is more of
an additive. UV Dye is highly recommended as it can assist
authorities in apprehending the aggressor as it will
"mark" the aggressor with a dye that can not be seen
under normal lights. UV Dye is completely harmless and
will generally wear off in about a week.
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8.
Are pepper sprays legal where I live?
Defense
sprays are legal in all 50 states, however a number of cities
and states have specific regulations pertaining to the purchase
possession and use of defense sprays. These regulations
normally limit the formula that can be purchased. Please
check with your local authorities if you are unsure before
purchasing a defense spray. Defense sprays can not be
shipped outside the United States.
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9.
How "hot" is my pepper spray?
OC
pepper is generally measured in terms of Scoville Heat Units (SHU's)
or on a percentage basis. For instance, a spray might be
rated at 1,000,000 SHU's and another rated at 5% pepper.
In most cases either unit will be effective. Safety-Sales.com
carries pepper rated as high as 15% OC Pepper and as high as
2,000,000 SHU's.
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10.
Will pepper spray work on those under the influence?
Although defense sprays are less effective on those who can not
feel pain such as those under the influence of drugs or alcohol,
formulas with OC will still remain partially effective. In
most cases formulas with OC will allow you the time needed to
get away and summons help. Formulas that rely solely on CS
or CN (excludes those formulas that also have OC) are completely
ineffective against those whom can not feel pain. Further,
some exceptional individuals, such as those with military
training or police officers, have been specifically trained to
overcome the effects of defense sprays and therefore defense
sprays may be less effective against these individuals.
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11.
What do the different types of dispersion patterns mean?
Cone
(sometimes called Forced Cone)
This
is a fine mist that comes out in a forceful spray pattern.
Distances will range normally from 8 to 12 feet. There is
only a minor risk of blow back with this spray pattern.
Blow back is when, usually due to a strong wind, the defense
spray is carried back into your direction. Even when blow
back occurs, the effects are normally minimal to you as you are
not suffering from a direct hit. The spray pattern is very
effective even when minor blow back occurs. This is an
excellent choice for open areas where there is little or light
breeze.
Stream
(sometimes called Broken Stream)
This
is the most widely distributed type of dispersion pattern and is
highly effective. This pattern is ideal for hitting
multiple attackers and hitting your mark even in tight places or
through a partially opened car window. Blow back is almost
unheard of with this spray pattern except during the strongest
of wind. This spray pattern also provides the heaviest
blast of pepper to the assailant (cans will empty faster).
Excellent choice for general defensive use. Extremely
effective.
Fogger
This
spray pattern is ideal for multiple attackers, crowd control,
and home use. Forms a cloud of pepper that will incapacitate
anyone in its area. The only draw back with this spray
pattern is a significant increase in the likelihood of blow
back, especially outdoors. Safe to use in a light breeze,
but may cause enough blow back in a heavier wind to
significantly effect the user.
Foam
Not
only does this spray pattern offer some of the best blow back
protection, but it will also prove very useful even when the
attacker is wearing glasses. It is dispersed with a
consistency similar to shaving cream so even if the attacker is
wearing glasses it will effectively blind them. As it is
extremely sticky, the aggressor will most likely have to remove
the glasses allowing for a second shot right in the eyes!
The aggressor may attempt to wipe the foam off but due to the
sticky nature they will simply rub the pepper deeper into their
pores and eyes. Very effective.
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