Article - "Guide To Choosing The Pepper Spray That's Right For You"

Guide To Choosing the Pepper Spray That's Right For You

Pepper sprays, like most non-lethal self-defense products, are designed to create a barrier between the victim and an attacker, thus buying precious moments to escape.

Pepper sprays come in three basic types of chemical formulations:

•         CS – orthochlorobenzalmalonigtrile
•         CN – alphachloroacetaphenone
•         OC -  oleoresin capsicum

Sprays containing CS & CN are considered old school, not as effective as OC, have a delayed effect of up to 30 seconds, are often ineffective against individuals on drugs or who are psychotic, sometimes take days to wear off, are considered possible carcinogens, may cause toxic reactions and/or long-term reactions.  CS & CN sprays are not reliable and therefore are not recommended.

OC sprays contain a natural chemical derived from hot pepper plants.  They work instantly by dilating the capillaries in the eyes, causing temporary blindness.  When inhaled, OC will also cause immediate inflammation of the lung tissue, resulting in uncontrollable coughing.  Either or both conditions are extremely disabling even for those on drugs or who may be psychotic.  The effects of OC dissipate quickly and cause no permanent damage or long-term side affects.

Generally, the strength of a pepper spray is measured by the heat-generating capacity of the hot peppers used in the formula by the manufacturer.  This capacity is indicated in Scoville Heat Units (SHUs).  It's important to note that different hot peppers produce varying levels of SHUs.  As an example: standard bell peppers produce 0 SHUs,     Jalapeno peppers will generate up to 5,000 SHUs and Habaneros peppers up to 300,000 SHUs.  Also important to realize is a 10% concentration of Jalapeno pepper spray will not be nearly as effective as a 1% concentration of Habaneros pepper spray.  OC, in its purest form, has a heat rating of up to 15 million SHUs.  Chemists have     determined that an SHU rating over 4,000,000 will likely cause tissue damage.  Pepper sprays containing formulations exceeding this range are considered excessive and are not recommended.

A carrier agent is required to suspend the OC in solution and assist in delivery from the pressurized pepper spray container.  Highly recommended and most commonly used today, due to its dispersal qualities, is a carrier called HFC 134A.

Spray patterns and dispersal density determine the size of the droplets sprayed at the assailant.  The smaller the air-borne droplets, the more efficiently they will disburse into the eyes and lungs.  Pepper sprays offer three types of spray patterns: stream, mist and fog.  The fog and mist models deliver the smallest droplets but have a short range of only 4-8 feet and can be easily affected by wind if used outdoors.  The stream sprays have a range of up to 15-20 feet and are less likely to be blown back at you by a wind or breeze.  Fog or mist sprays are recommended for home defense use and stream sprays for outdoor applications.

The size of a pepper spray device will correspond with its capacity.  Capacity is generally measured by the number of ounces of spray material in the container which determines how many shots or seconds it will fire.  Pepper spray models come in sizes varying from the smallest at only ½ oz. (which may provide up to 20 half-second bursts) to larger 16 oz. canister-style units.  The smaller sizes are easy to carry on a key chain, in a purse, pocket or belt holster, while the larger units are primarily designed for autos and home defense.

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