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Defensive Spray FAQ
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- What is Mace?
Mace is a brand name which carries a registered trademark
owned by Mace Security International (MSI). MSI
originally marketed a particular tear gas self defense
spray. Mace has become a very common term used to
describe hand held self defense sprays of all types. MSI
also produces pepper spray under the brand name Mace.
- What is Pepper Spray? Pepper
Spray is a chemical compound commonly called OC which
stands for Oleoresin Capsaicin (oh-lee-oh-rezin kap-say-a-sin).
OC is a derivative of hot peppers. Unlike tear gas, which
is an irritant, OC is an inflammatory agent.
- What is the difference between
Pepper Spray and Tear Gas? Tear
gas, both CS and CN are synthesized chemicals that are
known as lachrymators. A lachrymator is a substance that
produces profuse tearing. Lachrymators such as tear gas,
are not effective against animals. In short, tear gas has
a very high level of toxicity whereas pepper spray is
totally non-toxic. Pepper spray is an inflammatory
agent. Upon contact with mucous membranes (e.g., eyes,
nose throat, lungs) pepper spray will cause an instant
dilation of the capillaries of the eyes, resulting in
temporary blindness and instant inflammation of the
breathing tissues, cutting off all but minimal breathing
to sustain life support. While capsaicin causes a deep
burning sensation on the skin, the thing that really makes
it an effective defense weapon is the way it affects the
mucous membranes, primarily eyes, nose and lungs.
Capsaicin immediately causes them to swell. The result is
nearly total but temporary loss of sight and a severe
restriction of breathing. The response to this reaction
is involuntary which makes pepper spray a very effective
weapon against drug or alcohol impaired assailants or
animals that may not respond to pain.
- Are all OC sprays the same?
No. Pepper sprays are rated in two
ways. %OC and SHU rating. OC is often rated by a
percentage content of the overall chemical such as 10%.
That's important, but even more important is the SHU
rating (Scoville Heat Unit). Two million SHU will be
sufficent.
- What is Scoville Heat Rating?
The word capsicum is the
horticultural term for the genus that chili peppers are
classified. There are all types of chili peppers
including green peppers, jalapenos, and habaneros. They
all contain an unusually powerful compound found in no
other plant, an alkaloid called capsaicin. A single drop
of tasteless and odorless capsaicin in 100,000 drops of
water is very noticeable. In fact capsaicin can be
detected by humans at one part per million. In 1912,
pharmacologist Wilbur Scoville developed a standard for
measuring the power of capsaicin. It was called the
Scoville Organaleptic Test. It was needed to calculate
the temperature of peppers used in many pharmaceutical
products such has heat rubs. Scoville measured exact
weights of chili peppers and dissolved the capsaicin in
alcohol. This solution was then diluted with sugar water
until it was no longer detectable to the human palate. A
panel of five taste testers would taste the solution and
three of them had to agree before a value was assigned.
If for example it took 1000 parts of water to one part of
capsaicin, it was said to have 1000 Scoville Heat Units.
Today high pressure liquid chromatography is used to
measure the capsaicin content in peppers. This method is
much more accurate and precise. It measures capsaicin
levels in parts per million which is then converted to
Scoville Heat Units.
- How long do the affects of pepper
spray last? The affects of
pepper spray will wear off in 30 to 60 minutes which will
give you plenty of time to escape an assailant and have
them apprehended by the police.
- What is the decontamination process
for pepper spray? Pepper spray
requires no chemical decontamination process. Time for
the affects to wear off, soap, and water are all that is
needed. Decontamination wipes are available but a warm
water flush is as good as anything.
- What are the limits of my legal
liability with pepper spray? We
are not attorneys and do not pretend to give legal advice,
however, using any personal defense weapon in an offensive
rather than a defensive manner constitutes a criminal act
and can be prosecuted under the law. However, if you
perceive a threat and use the spray strictly in self
defense you should have no legal liability at all.
"Should" being the catch word. Some states and
municipalities have restrictions on the strength, sale,
and use of pepper sprays. It is your responsibility to
know the laws where you live.
- Can I take defensive sprays on a
commercial airplane? Yes, one
self-defense spray (pepper spray or mace) not exceeding 4
fl. oz. may be carried in a checked bag if it has a
positive means to prevent accidental discharge.
Check the TSA's website. No Carry ons.
- How should I store my defensive
spray? Store your defensive
spray in a safe place at room temperature. Pepper spray
should be treated like a firearm in the sense that you
need to keep it away from children or those unauthorized
to have it. Do not keep it in your car in the summer,
high temperatures may cause the seals to leak.
- How long will my Defensive Spray
last? Most defensive sprays
have an expiration date stamped on the canister. Over
time the aerosol will lose pressure. We recommend
replacing your defensive spray once a year. Take your old
one to a safe place and target practice with it. Become
familiar with how far it will spray, how to unlock it
etc. When practicing with your defensive spray be aware
of air movements and wind patterns and be very careful not
to contaminate yourself.
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