Posts Tagged ‘pepper spray’

Pepper Spray – Heat Levels Matter

When shopping for pepper spray products, you usually take into account factors like pepper spray pattern, price, and size. Definitely, those are important but you also have one more thing to consider, and that’s the heat rating of your pepper spray product.

More Heat Equals Longer Effects
That’s basically what greater heat levels can contribute to your personal safety. The effects of pepper spray are inflammatory by nature. This means that affected areas will immediately sting. If it hits your eyes, they’ll close in reflex to prevent further harm. That means staying partially or completely blind for a certain period of time.

If your respiratory system is affected and you inhale enough capsaicin, you’ll start coughing and choking and experience nausea. Your nose could also start to run as mucus is produced as another reflex response to the presence of capsaicin.

The effects don’t stop there. If you try to rub it away, you will only succeed in having the inflammation spread to other areas. That means more parts of your face will hurt.

How long all these lasts will, as we’ve said earlier, depend on how much capsaicin a pepper spray product has. On average, pepper spray effects last twenty to forty-five minutes. You have two ways to determine a product’s heat rating. First, there’s the easy way – just check out the product label and the perentage of Oleoresin Capsicum or OC indicated.

The typical pepper spray product uses a 10% OC solution. This is equivalent to 2,000,000 SHU – but we’ll talk about that later. Others have 18 and 20% OC content and are consequently more effective to use against your attacker.

Understanding How SHU Works
SHU stands for Scoville Heat Units and used for the Scoville Scale, a measurement system devised by American chemist Wilbur Scovile for gauging the heat levels of pepper. More specifically, it measures the amount of capsaicin in a given pepper or pepper spray product.

Peppers you see often used for cooking spicy dishes can have SHU ratings anywhere from zero (sweet bell pepper) to 8,000. The more exotic dishes may have peppers spicy enough to register with more than a million SHU.

And with pepper spray products, there are those that have excessively high capsaicin content to score 16,000,000 SHU in the Scoville Scale. You can just imagine how hot that can be!

Be More Effective
Having a pepper spray product with a high heat rating is good, but it can be better if you combine with a triple action attack: there are self-defense weapons that combine a pepper spray, tear gas, and UV dye marker all into one.

How to Apply First Aid for Accidental Pepper spray Targets

Pepper spray products are great for self-defense because they’re easy and effective to use. In fact, they’re so easy to use that many a person ends up accidentally spraying someone…or themselves.

If a person has been accidentally hurt with pepper spray, here are several things you can do to apply first aid.

No One Panics
Pepper spray may not be harmful but it certainly won’t feel like it to the victim. Pepper spray has an intensely painful effect and it’s likely to cause the victim to panic and then make you panic as well!

Don’t let that happen. You, most especially, must stay calm for the victim’s sake because you’ll be able to move more efficiently when your brain isn’t clouded with hysterics.

Have Someone Call 911
It’s better to be safe than sorry. There have been unconfirmed reports that pepper spray has been the cause of death due to severe allergic reactions. Why risk that when you don’t have to? Have someone call 911 even as you work on giving the victim first aid.

No Rubbing!
Tie the victim’s hands and bind her to a chair so that the contaminated area remains undisturbed. Rubbing the affected area clean of pepper spray won’t put a stop to the pain. It’s only going to make it worse.

Remember: pepper spray is an inflammatory agent. When you try to rub the skin clean of it, you’re only serving to spread the inflammation, which means that more capillaries in the victim’s skin will be subject to the effects of pepper spray.

Apply Antidote
If you happen to have an OC decontamination treatment product with you then apply that directly to the exposed area. If not that then what about milk? Dip a clean towel in milk then gently place it on the affected area.

No milk available? Then use lots and lots of water. Any of that could help with the initial sting but because pepper spray is oil-based, you’ll need to do a lot more. Mix cold water with soap that’s NOT oil-based. Some suggest the use of detergents (again not oil based) so you could try that, too.

Next, dip yourself into the water several times. Afterwards, dip a towel into the same mixture and use it to very gently rub your face clean of the oil. Expect this to hurt so don’t panic if the victim starts reacting again.

From here, you’ll just have to wait. The victim could start feeling better in fifteen to forty-five minutes. If the eyes have been contaminated and the victim is wearing contacts, be sure to have those disposed as early as possible. They’re not worth using after this.

Enjoy Being Physically Fit and Physically Safe with Mace Walking Weights

Mace walking weights have a secret, built-in pepper spray canister to give you a means of self-defense. Take your attacker by surprise by swinging your walking weight up and taking aim!

There are many reasons why you’d rather not work out at home or in a gym just as there are various reasons why you and a lot others prefer to exercise outdoors. Whether it’s walking, jogging, or playing a certain sport, outdoor exercises give you the added benefit of enjoying the sun and the beautiful scenery. But working out alone, whatever the time of the day is, comes with certain risks to your safety. Protect yourself by carrying Mace walking weights.

Important Features of Mace Walking Weights
Mace walking weights are designed to help you get and stay fit while providing you with an efficient means of self-defense at the same time. Here are a number of features that you can look forward to enjoying with Mace walking weights.

Built-in 10% Pepper Spray for Self-Defense
Inside your Mace walking weights is a built-in pepper spray canister which works just like any other pepper spray can. One well-aimed squeeze is all it takes to fight off your attacker, call for help, and run for safety.

1-Pound Weights
Too heavy weights are not good for women as they could lead to undesirable muscle buildup. One-pound weights, which are provided by your Mace walking weights, are the best choice for women of all sizes. Constant repetitions are all you need to do to have your arms perfectly toned.

Storage Compartment
There are many kinds of potential threat you face when you work out alone outdoors. Besides threats to your personal safety, some will also attempt theft of your personal belongings. Their first move would no doubt to check your pockets for any valuables you may have with you. Jewelry on display will also be taken. What they certainly won’t do is steal your Mace walking weights, not knowing that it has a secret, built-in compartment for your car keys, cash, and valuables.

Elastic Hand Strap for Support
Moving quickly and efficiently is difficult when you’re under attack. It’s easy to lose hold of your Mace walking weights as you scramble to get your pepper spray to work. Thankfully, that’s a possibility Mace is already well-aware of and it’s the reason why they’ve also provided elastic hand straps. When strapped in place, there’s no way for you to lose hold of your weights!

Low Maintenance
Many “cool” self-defense weapons turn out to be more trouble than they’re worth because of their high maintenance requirements. Mace walking weights, however, are the opposite. You can clean them with just soap and water and their pepper spray canister is easily replaceable.

What You Need to Know About the Use of Canine Pepper Sprays

You’ve heard of canine pepper sprays.  But how effective are they really at deterring attack from an aggressive dog?

Sometimes, the one thing that stands between you and a very angry dog is a can of pepper spray.  Dogs are generally docile creatures, easy to tame and train.  But there are certain circumstances when dogs can be dangerous, particularly if they are aggressive or feral.  They can also be a threat if they are trained to attack and you somehow strayed into their territory.  To a dog, it’s simply trying to defend itself from what it considers a threat; to you, it’s a reason to be worried.  This is why you might want to consider using canine pepper spray to protect yourself and keep the dog from attacking.

what’s in a spray?
Canine pepper spray contains the same formulation used in regular pepper sprays, only stronger.  The common active ingredient is caled Oleoresin capsicum, a substance that’s found in certain species of pepper.

Canine pepper sprays rely on the ability of this substance to produce an adverse reaction both in humans and dogs.  The substance is incredibly irritating, causing immediate reaction on the mucus membranes found in the nose, eyes, mouth and throat of the dog.  When sprayed directly, the substance goes to work, causing the dog to sneeze, close its eyes involuntarily and gag.

The effect, while immediate, is temporary.  It can distract even a very aggressive dog for several minutes, giving you sufficient time to run away.

What to look for when buying canine pepper spray
The very first thing to consider when purchasing canine pepper spray is formulation.  Be careful with what the spray contains.  Look for the ingredient Oleoresin capsicum on the bottle or canister and check for other chemicals that may be included.  Remember that your intention is to stop, prevent or discourage an attacking animal from physically harming you, not to cause permanent or lethal harm.

If the label shows an ingredient or a different formulation, ask the retailer or shop owner for more clarifications.  Better yet, try to research regarding the harmful substances to avoid when buying canine pepper spray to ensure that you do not cause unnecessary harm.

Are there any harmful side effects on dogs?
The most direct result that canine pepper spray can produce on dogs are the symptoms mentioned above.  Other than that, these sprays are not known to cause permanent damage on dogs, although effects with prolonged exposure have not been studied.  Although the effects of canine pepper spray on dogs tend to produce negative reactions, it is actually considered a non-lethal — and therefore humane — way of controlling a wild, aggressive animal.  It is a far better alternative to, say, using physical force.

The Pepper Spray Canister: Situations When You’ll Find It Most Useful

Although concealed types of pepper sprays are becoming common (pepper spray pens, lipsticks, mobile phones, etc.), still the most preferred for many individuals and law enforcement personnel is the pepper spray canister.  Many people cite advantages such as its stopping power, range, the comfortable grip it offers the user and the amount of spray it contains as the main reasons for their choice.  There are also certain situations when the pepper spray canister is most useful.  Here are some reasons why and when it may be the best choice for you:

A pepper spray canister has a better shooting range
Smaller pepper spray containers work best at shorter ranges, such as a few feet away.  Pepper spray canisters can work an average of about 15 feet.  In a situation requiring you to defend yourself and have nothing else in hand except a can of pepper spray, that distance will make you feel more secure and confident enough to think fast and act quickly.

A pepper spray canister contains more spray
Nothing gives the user more confidence than knowing that they have more ammo during a fight.  Pepper spray canisters are most useful when you need more spray to defend yourself, such as when you have multiple attackers or are in danger of being attacked by a large, aggressive animal.  Imagine being charged at by a 7-foot bear with only a lipstick pepper spray in hand.  A canister will be able to buy you more time and be more effective in stopping a charging assailant.

A canister offers a better fit in the hand
A pepper spray canister has the distinct advantage of being more comfortable to handle.  It’s also designed to make it easier for the user to find the nozzle so they could spray in the right direction.

It’s very effective during crowd control
The reason why law enforcement officers carry pepper sprays in canisters is because it is one of the best tools for controlling a relatively larger crowd.  Canisters can range in sizes from about 4″ in height to about one foot.  When you’re trying to control a large crowd that is threatening to become unruly, you really cannot rely on a small canister of pepper spray that contains no more than eight one-second bursts.  A larger pepper spray canister can do a far more effective job.

You can never misplace a pepper spray canister
One of the most common challenges for people who purchase smaller pepper spray items is that their size make them easy to misplace or lose.  They can also be difficult to locate in a large purse, bag or backpack.  Furthermore, because of their smaller size, people tend to forget them at home or at the office.  A pepper spray canister, on the other hand, is that much more difficult to ignore.

Top Reasons Why Not All Pepper Pens Work

Pepper pens are some of the top selling self-defense gadgets in the market.  Many people prefer them because they are handy, easy to hide and carry and can blend in with other everyday objects.  But pepper pens are not created equal.  Here are reasons why not all pepper pens work and what you can do to resolve it:

The pepper pen has a limited range of use
Manufacturers and self-defense experts often recommend that users be aware of the range of their pepper sprays.  Some of the best in the market can be used at a range of about 10 to 15 feet, with some types even stopping an attacker from as far away as 20 feet, depending on wind direction.  A pepper pen spray generally has a shorter range of about 5 to 8 feet.

So why doesn’t this range always work?  There are certain circumstances that may make it dangerous for the user who only has a pepper pen spray and little else.  If an attacker is coming on fast or running towards you, he or she should be able to cover a good 3 to 5 feet in as little as 2 seconds.  Although you could use the pepper pen by then, the momentum will have carried your attacker through the 5 or 8 feet distance in order to topple you.

You could remedy this by being aware at all times and to learn how to avoid an oncoming attack.  That way, you would be able to protect yourself and allow the pepper spray to work its magic so you can make your escape.

The pepper pen spray may be a bit difficult to use
Although quite effective, the shape and size of the pepper pen may sometimes make it difficult for some people to use.  Some people even find that their grip is a bit awkward and that aiming can be a bit challenging particularly during a surprise attack.

The pepper pen spray contents may not suffice during an attack
The key to the efficacy of the pepper spray is to always keep in mind that its main power is in providing a distraction to the attacker.  The effects of the spray is only temporary, which means the user is expected to either physically bring down the attacker after the spray has been used or to run away.

A pepper pen spray may contain only a limited amount of the substance.  Due to the small size of the container (the body of the pen), a pepper pen may contain only a few ounces of spray.  In an ideal situation, such as when the user is confident and is gripping the spray correctly, the pen may be effective enough.  If the user is panicking, he may have more difficulty aiming and firing such a small device.

Dealing with an Intimidating Dog? They Can Be Intimidated Too With the Right Dog Pepper Spray

Dogs can be quite fascinating creatures, particularly because they have their own rules and unique way of communicating.  But they can be very intimidating too, especially if they are strange dogs or if an unfamiliar person happens to walk into their territory.  This is where a problem could occur.  If a dog is trained or highly aggressive, there is a risk that it might attack and cause physical harm.  If you happen to live in an area where you could run into an aggressive animal, consider using a dog pepper spray.  With this self-defense products, there really is no such thing as an intimidating dog when you can intimidate them with the right dog pepper spray.

How the dog pepper spray works
Dogs, like humans, are sensitive to the substance found in most formulations of pepper sprays, which is Oleoresin Capsicum.  This substance is found in a variety of peppers and – as you may already have guessed by now – is extremely irritating, especially when sprayed onto the nose, mouth, throat or eyes.

Oleoresin Capsicum found in dog pepper sprays can lead to gagging, choking and in some cases, even temporary blindness.  If you have taken a spoonful of the hottest pepper sauce you could find and know how hot it could get in your mouth and throat, you probably have a good idea of what it could do if the stuff was sprayed in your eyes and nose.

The irritation you feel will be the same irritation that an intimidating dog would feel if you used the right dog pepper spray on it.  The only difference is that the effect is almost doubled or tripled because dogs generally have a more sensitive sense of smell.

As their instinct dictates, a dog will rely on his senses in order to move, react or if necessary, attack.  If his most important senses – that is, his sight, smell and taste – are disabled (albeit temporarily), he will be hesitant to fight.  It also wouldn’t help that the effects of the dog pepper spray are wrecking havoc in his muzzle area, causing him to gag, spit and cough uncontrollably.

As a result of his discomfort, a dog will cease his attack and basically leave you alone while he tends to his discomfort.  That’s enough opportunity for you to walk away or run in the opposite direction and avoid an unfortunate attack.

Is it safe?
People should not really worry that pepper spray could kill a dog.  The right pepper spray is formulated to cause only the discomfort associated with the use of the irritating substance.  Dog pepper sprays are formulated to be non-lethal, so there is no reason why an aggressive dog should be permanently harmed during an attack.  An intimidating dog can indeed be intimidated with the right dog pepper spray.

Your Pepper Spray is a Safety Device: Do You Still Need a Holster?

Most people will probably do well with a pepper spray sans the holster.  But there is a reason why an accessory such as this can also serve an important purpose, something that many users of pepper spray tend to overlook.  So do you really need a pepper spray with holster?  Here are reasons why you should consider getting one:

A holster keeps your pepper spray can in place
With the variety of designs, shapes and sizes they come in these days, pepper sprays can easily be misplaced.  Of course, no one would probably mistake a pen pepper spray he owns for the real thing but when it’s a small canister you’re carrying around, it could get lost in the chaos of your bag or purse.  If it comes with a holster, you’re more likely to wear it or attach it to your bag where you could easily see it.

There’s no need to waste time digging into your bag or pocket
There’s no telling when you’ll need a pepper spray most.  A holster will make it easier to find and use.  Imagine being in imminent danger of getting mauled by an aggressive wild animal or physically harmed by an assailant and being unable to grab your pepper spray in time.

Most aggressive or violent attacks can occur in a matter of seconds and in those first few seconds lie your chance of escape or survival.  You should be able to act quickly and decisively during this time to prevent or at least minimize physical harm to yourself.  If you can use your pepper spray right away, you probably don’t have much to worry about.

A holster prevents accidental use
It’s easy for anyone careless enough to get a hold of your pepper spray and play with it.  A holster will provide extra protection for the canister and prevent curious hands from accidentally spraying it.  This is particularly a concern when there are young children around, especially those who are prone to picking up and playing with unfamiliar objects.

A holster will also help protect the nozzle of the spray and thus prevent unnecessary use.

A holster keeps your pepper spray accessible outdoors
Probably one of the best reasons for buying a pepper spray holster is to keep your canister easy to use when you’re outdoors.  You can wear the holster on your belt or bag where it will be easy to access so in case you need to use the spray, you don’t have to search for it.  Wearing the pepper spray in a holster is also a practical way of moving outdoors – it frees up your hands so you have better flexibility in terms of movement.

A holster will protect your pepper spray from the elements
Your can of pepper spray can probably withstand some exposure to the environment but if you’re the type who’s frequently outdoors or lead an active life, having a holster can help minimize the presence of dust, dirt and grease and prevent unnecessary wear and tear.

Is Environment-Safe Bear Pepper Spray an Oxymoron?

Anybody who’s aware of the consequences knows that it’s best not to mess with Nature.  It either bites back in the end or you get environmentalists and animal rights activists banging on your door.  So if the thought of using a bear pepper spray leaves you hesitant and wary, relax.  There is such thing as an environment-safe bear pepper spray – and that’s not just an oxymoron.

How can something so irritating be environment-safe?
One of the top bear pepper sprays in the market today is Guard Alaska.  It is the only bear pepper spray available in the market that has been registered with the Environment Protection Agency or EPA as repellant for all bear species.  This wide range of efficacy means that it is the safest and most reliable bear pepper spray that people can use outdoors.

The formula contained in this bear pepper spray product has been deemed environment-safe because it has eliminated substances that are flammable and known to deplete the ozone layer.  This is a huge improvement from other brands of bear pepper spray that use aerosol propellants that can harm the environment.

Does it work?
Bear pepper sprays are especially formulated to work against bears.  The substance in the pepper spray, known as Oleoresin Capsicum, works as an irritant on the bear, causing temporary discomfort and inflammation in its nostrils, mouth, throat and eyes.  Bear pepper sprays are non-lethal and its effects are only temporary.  However, they are often enough to stun the bear, confuse it or irritate it to such point that it will cease its attack or back off.  By discouraging a bear from attacking, both the intended victim and the bear are saved from further physical harm.

Bear pepper sprays are often packaged in slightly larger canisters than those used for personal self-defense.  The pepper spray formulation used with Guard Alaska is also stronger at 20% concentration to allow for maximum efficacy against an aggressive, full-grown bear.  The bear pepper spray was also designed specifically for increased range, so the user can spray an attacking bear from a safe distance.

Is it safe for bears?
Guard Alaska bear pepper spray is no more lethal to a bear than a personal pepper spray is to a full-grown human.  It will not knock a bear out but it will cause momentary discomfort and some pain so the bear stops in its tracks.

Bear pepper sprays are considered a relatively humane way of stopping an animal from attacking.  Without these tools, a human about to be subjected to physical harm usually has no choice but to fight back, either by hitting or shooting the aggressive bear.  A bear spray is still a much better alternative, allowing people to enjoy the outdoors and keep themselves safe while ensuring that no bears get hurt permanently.

Pepper Spray Remains as One of the Top Self-Defense Products in the Market

There really is no telling when and where crime could occur.  What we do know is that statistical data doesn’t paint a very good picture.  When circumstances aren’t that good or could potentially become worse, people cannot be blamed for wanting to protect themselves.  This is probably the main reason why self-defense products, such as the pepper spray, continue to be bestsellers.  People simply must have a means or tool to rely on in order to defend themselves, their loved ones and their property.  Today, pepper sprays remain as one of the top self-defense products in the market.  And with good reason.

Why pepper sprays work
Although formulations for pepper sprays could differ slightly depending on the manufacturer, they are all based on the substance called Oleoresin Capsicum.  This is a substance found organically in certain species of plants we generally know as peppers.

Oleoresin Capsicum or OC is a substance that is very irritating when applied to the skin of humans and most animals.  It is especially irritating when applied on the mucus membranes, which are commonly found on the eyes, mouth, nose, throat and the stomach.

As a substance, OC produces burning sensation, inflammation and general irritation on the affected area.  It can also lead to gagging, choking and coughing.  It can also cause the eyes to tear up uncontrollably.

Pepper sprays as a top self-defense weapon
A pepper spray is highly effective as self-defense weapon because of its effects.  It can cause momentary blindness, difficulty breathing and general confusion due to extreme irritation.  It is well-suited for many people including police forces and private individuals because it is non-lethal.

Pepper sprays are also considered as a top self-defense weapon because they do not lead to permanent physiological damage.  The effect is only temporary, although it could last for at least 5 minutes and up to about 15, depending on the physical makeup of the attacker, his emotional state and also the dosage sprayed upon him.  For people needing a self-defense tool, that 5- or 15-minute gap wherein the attacker is disabled is usually sufficient enough to fight back, run away from the scene or call for help.

Another reason why pepper sprays are top self-defense weapons is that they are convenient, lightweight and easy to conceal and carry.  Most canisters fit in the palm of the hand and may be kept in the purse or pocket.  Pepper spray containers are also frequently sold disguised as ordinary objects, such as a pen, lipstick, mobile phone, pager or even a pendant.  Users have easy access to the gadget and can readily use them should the situation call for it.

A pepper spray also does not need specialized training to use.  It’s a pretty straightforward and simple device that most people can turn to as a reliable self-defense weapon.  Furthermore, it’s generally legal to own and use and is quite affordable.