When it comes to non-lethal self-defence weapons pepper spray is right up there at the top of popularity for two main reasons: ease of use and effectiveness.
How It Works
Pepper spray uses
Oleoresin Capsicum (OC) which comes from cayenne pepper. Defensive pepper
sprays are measured in Scoville Heat Units (SHU's) a common measure of a
products' "hotness". A jalapeno pepper has a SHU of 5000, a habanero
pepper 300,000 and a typical pepper spray will be in the 2 million SHU range.
A one second spray
in the face with a 10 % solution of a pepper spray will get you 20-30 minutes
away from an attacker. It will cause the attacker to have shortness of breath,
have temporary blindness due to excessive tearing and the eyes actually
shutting down, coughing and choking. They will scream from the pain.
You will survive a
potential attack and no permanent damage will be done to the attacker. A
well-aimed shot from a pepper spray has outstanding stopping power. That is why
it has become one of the most effective self-defence tools.
Most pepper sprays
have an effective range of 6-12 feet. A new gel pepper spray works up to 18
feet. Most models use a fine grain stream. Foam and foggier products are
available for those who are unsure of their aiming abilities.
Pepper sprays can be disguised as pens,
pagers, lipstick, and even hand held walking weights. Almost all models are
small enough for a purse or to attach on a key chain. Some have Velcro straps
to attach to just about anything or a clip to hook onto a belt.
Who Uses Pepper Sprays
If you think crime
can only happen to the other person you are wrong. The "other person" is thinking the
same thing and you may be that "other person". There is a reason why
they call it self-defence. You have to protect yourself.
A violent crime
occurs every 19 seconds and an assault every 29 seconds. For would be victims
of a robbery, assault, theft, rape, murder, or kidnapping an investment of $15-
$25 for a pepper spray is certainly worth the peace of mind and sense of
security it provides. No one is safe from the crimes of today be it a personal
assault or a home break in.
Women are
particularly vulnerable, especially those who work late at night, those in
sales positions, real estate agents, and those who live alone. They in particular
need self-defence products such as an effective OC pepper spray.
Please Note that even though pepper
spray is legal in all 50 states, some states and cities have restrictions.
Check with your local police department. Literally thousands of police
departments carry and use pepper spray. Why wouldn't you?
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