Are you considering to buy pepper spray products? Nowadays, buying these self-defense tools is a wise investment for you and your loved ones. With one in your pocket, you are guaranteed peace of mind that you can defend yourself from bad guys and aggressive animals. If you plan to purchase pepper spray products, read on to learn more about their effects and advantages.
Effects and Efficacy
Oleoresin Capsicum (OC) or Capsaicin spray is medically considered as irritant and inflammatory. Hence, it can cause discomfort, pain and burning sensation to the skin it gains contact with. However, the effects are highly amplified when the affected areas are mucous membranes. Access points to these vulnerable areas are the eyes, nose and mouth. You should purchase pepper spray with about 18% concentration and 3 million SHUs. SHU is a measure of the amount of “heating” sensation that a spray can cause.
The eyes are the first target of OC sprays. Capsaicin irritates the eye tissues and forces the veins to swell. This leads to temporary blindness and the involuntary closure of the eyelids. As an irritant, OC also stimulates nausea, choking and discomfort in the chest. The mucus membranes in the respiratory tract swell, causing a significant decrease in the passage of air to the lungs. This will further incapacitate your assailant for the next full hour.
However, it is important to know that OC sprays are non-lethal. The US and many other countries allow ordinary citizens to purchase pepper spray products. The incapacitating effects of oleoresin capsicum are not permanent. They last for at least 30-45 minutes – just enough time to disable the assailant and escape to safety.
Product Types and Variations
If you are planning to purchase pepper spray, you may also want to consider variations in the product. For example, you may want to buy a pepper gel instead of a spray. The gel is also contained in similar canisters but, instead of shooting aerosol, it shoots blobs of gels that are loaded with capsaicin. The weapon does not need to be aimed directly to the face of your attacker. Simply shoot it to any exposed skin and it will create severe burning pain. The effect lingers for about an hour event if the target tries to wash or smudge it off.
If you purchase pepper spray, perhaps your best advantage is range. Look for sprays that have a maximum effective distance of 8-10 feet. With it, you can fend off assailants and aggressive animals even from a distance. They are also portable and can be carried inconspicuously as key chains.