Pepper Spray, The Weapon of Choice for Many

Pepper spray was developed as a non-lethal weapon which can be sprayed at an attacker and render him almost helpless. An attacker can be a human, but also may be an animal. Because of this many mail carriers regularly carry pepper spray as well as joggers. When a subject is sprayed with pepper spray, the mucus membranes are affected immediately. If sprayed in the attacker's eyes, they are rendered blind at the time of contact. When pepper spray enters the lungs, breathing will become labored as well, as the attacker is not able to get the amount of oxygen which is needed. When a person is sprayed with pepper spray, their nose, throat, and lungs will become dilated.

Perhaps you are wondering what pepper spray is made of. Pepper spray is made from hot cayenne peppers, thus the name "pepper" spray. Another name for pepper spray is OC, and this term is used in the prison systems. OC stands for oleoresin capsicum, and is the active ingredient in the spray. Pepper spray and mace are different in that pepper spray is an inflammatory weapon, and mace is an irritant.

Today more than ever, people are looking for products which offer some type of protection against violence. Pepper spray has been one of the most purchased self-defense weapons, and women are the largest purchasers of the product. As an answer to the demand for the product manufactures have created various means of carrying the spray. You can find pepper spray packaged in small tubes, tubes which resemble pens, small tubes which are incased in little leather cases, or tubes which are made to fit on key chains. Pepper spray containers come in a variety of colors for the purchaser to choose from as well. Pepper spray defense products constructed to shoot as far as 6-8 feet as a general rule, but others can shoot 12 feet. The amount of shot available in a pepper spray container varies from one shot to as many as ten.

Pepper spray not only stops an attacker in his tracks, some types also contain a special dye which will stay on the skin of the attacker even if one tries to wash it off. This can serve as a great benefit to law enforcement in their investigations.