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 normally comes in canisters, which are often miniature enough in size to be carried or hidden away inside a pocket or purse. Pepper spray can also be bought disguised as ordinary items such as rings, lipstick, or some other everyday object such as a pager or pen. Additionally, pepper spray will expire after about 3-4 years due to the aerosol propellant escaping from the container. If used after the expiration date, it might not spray as expected. The expiration date of some models can be found on the label.

By and large, the general public regards OC spray to be the best non-deadly personal security weapon on the market. Their use is not considered lethal force, therefore, they are lawful in most states and usually no special permit or license is mandatory. Nevertheless, there are some states that do limit the possession and application of pepper spray. In New York state pepper spray can only be purchased from a certified pharmacist or firearms merchant. Massachusetts also requires defense spray to be purchased from a commonwealth sanctioned firearms broker. In the state and Wisconsin, OC in pepper spray cannot exceed 2%, and in Wisconsin, it cannot go over 10%. In California and Florida only 2oz size containers of pepper spray are legal. When traveling, OC cannot be taken on board any airplane for safety reasons. Before making your purchase it would be a good idea to check with your local police department for laws or restrictions governing the possession and use of pepper spray.

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