Law enforcement officers today can use pepper spray as a means to control subjects without resorting to a physical confrontation or deadly force. And so can you. Pepper spray is a nonlethal aerosol spray made with the pepper derivative oleoresin capiscum. The term OC (oleoresin capsicum) is a horticultural term which refers to chili peppers. There are many different kinds of chili peppers ranging from jalapenos, chiletpin, and cayenne to habaneros. They all have one thing in common. They all contain a substance that is very powerful - an alkaloid called capsaicin (cap-say-a-sin). Just a single drop of tasteless and odorless capsaicin in 100,000 drops of water and the heat can be noticeable. In fact, capsaicin can be detected by humans at one part per ten million! OC is not an irritant like the tear gases, but an inflammatory agent. Contact with mucous membranes (eyes, nose, throat and lungs) will cause immediate dilation of the capillaries of the eyes, resulting in temporary blindness and instant inflammation of the breathing tube tissues, cutting off all but life-support breathing. OC will not deteriorate with age and unlike the tear gasses, will not cause lasting after effects. One of the biggest misconceptions about defense spray is that the higher the percentage, the hotter and better it works. In most cases this could not be further from the truth. Most of the best, fastest incapacitating sprays in the world are from 2%-10%. The lighter the fluid, the faster it penetrates the membranes. The percentage has nothing to do with the actual SHU (Scoville Heat Units) or "hot" in the spray. Also, thicker sprays can inflame the skin area more and last longer with this unnecessary inflammation. A good spray will put the attacker down and out allowing you to escape or take control of the situation. Because it is an inflammatory, rather than an irritant, OC is effective against all those who feel no pain such as psychotics, drunks and drug abusers as well as attacking dogs and wild animals. | | Assault & Battery How should you protect your self when attacked? Use of Force Pepper Spray Take a Self Defense Class Tips for Women Back to Safety Page |
Calendar