Taking A Closer Look At OC Pepper
The most popular non-lethal, self-defense product available to the average citizen today is Oleoresin Capsicum Pepper Spray, commonly known as, “OC Pepper Spray.” In the last few years pepper spray has become the leading weapon of choice for more law-abiding citizens than any other protective device.
What is there to know about OC spray and how it works? Pepper spray is made from a naturally occurring, harmless substance found in hot pepper plants called Oleoresin Capsicum (OC). This is where it gets its name. OC is the active component that makes peppers hot. The effectiveness or hotness of pepper spray is calculated in Scoville Heat Units (SHU). SHU is a scale developed in 1912 by an American chemist named Wilbur Scoville to gauge the hotness or spiciness of a variety of peppers. The number of SHU indicates the amount of capsaicin that is present in any given pepper. For example, a common bell pepper has no capsaicin present and is therefore rated at 0 SHU, however, Jalapeno’s are rated at 5000 and a Habanero is a whopping 250,000-300,000 SHU. For a pepper spray to be effective on an aggressor it should be rated at 2 million SHU, however, some law enforcement strength pepper spray is rated even higher at 5 million.
OC spray acts as an inflammatory agent. It causes immediate closing of the eyes, impaired vision, gasping for air, runny nose and out of control coughing that will bring any assailant to the ground. OC spray is also very effectual on “perps” under the influence of illicit drugs, alcohol, or suffering with a severe mental disorder. The effects of OC usually last from thirty to forty-five minutes, depending on the potency of the spray, with diminished effects lasting for several hours. Usually the attacker will fully recover from the effects of pepper spray once it completely wears off and he will not endure any lasting unpleasant aftereffects.
OC is an oily substance. It cannot be washed away with water despite how much is used. The best way to reduce the consequences of pepper spray in the eyes is to briskly blink it way with tears. This will aid in cleansing the irritant from the eyes. Additionally, to prevent the burning sensation from spreading to other parts of the body it is best to avoid touching the affected spots. Massaging ointments onto the affected areas will only serve to trap the capsaicin in the skin resulting in a heightened burning sensation and possibly even cause blistering to occur.
Pepper spray typically comes in canisters small enough to be carried or concealed in a pocket or purse. These sprays can also be bought concealed in items such as rings, lipstick, or some other everyday object such as a pager or pen. In addition, pepper spray has a shelf life of about 3-4 years due to possible leakage of the aerosol propellant. If used after the spray has expired, the canister may not spray at a distance it was originally designed to or it could fail to spray entirely. Some manufacturers will have an expiration date imprinted somewhere on the canister.
On the whole, the populace regards pepper spray as the best non-fatal self-protection tool that is accessible today. It is not considered deadly force to use them; therefore, they are legal in most states and with no special permit being required. Nonetheless, there are some states that do control the acquisition and usage of pepper spray. Inside the sate of New York, it must be purchased from an approved pharmacist or firearms broker. The commonwealth of Massachusetts also requires pepper spay to be purchased from a certified firearms dealer. In Michigan, pepper spray made with OC cannot be stronger than 2%, and in Wisconsin, OC pepper spray cannot exceed 10%. In California and Florida pepper spray is legally permissible up to a 2oz size canister. When traveling, OC cannot be taken on board any airplane for understandable security reasons. Before purchasing pepper spray it is a good idea to inquire with your local police department about any laws or restrictions.
Learn more about OC pepper spray and other self-defense products. Stop by www.a1selfdefenseproducts.com where you can find out all about defense sprays and what it can do for you.
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