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.

Just what is OC spray and how does it work? Pepper spray is made from the naturally occurring, nontoxic chemical called Oleoresin Capsicum (OC) found in hot pepper plants. This is where the name “OC Pepper Spray” comes from. OC is the active ingredient in the hot peppers. The effectiveness or hotness of pepper spray is measured in Scoville Heat Units (SHU). SHU is a scale that was developed in 1912 by the American chemist, Wilbur Scoville, used to measure the hotness or piquancy of various peppers. The number of SHU indicates the amount of capsaicin present. For example, a standard bell pepper is rated at 0 SHU, Jalapeno’s are at 5000 and a Habanero is 250,000-300,000 SHU. For a pepper spray to have an effect on people it should be rated at 2 million SHU, however, some police grade pepper sprays are rated as high as 5 million SHU.

OC spray is an inflammatory agent, that when sprayed in the face of an assailant, will force the eyes to close immediately, it also causes temporary blindness, difficulty in breathing, a runny nose and an irrepressible cough that will send him to his knees. OC is also very effective on perpetrators who are under the influence of drugs, alcohol, or experiencing any kind of psychotic episode. The duration of the OC effects depend on the strength of the spray, but the average full effect lasts around thirty to forty-five minutes, with diminished effects lasting for hours. The assailant will usually make a full recovery once the effects completely wear off and, other than embarrassment, will not suffer any lasting adverse 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.

Overall OC defense sprays are considered by civilians to be the best non-lethal self-defense devices available. Their use is not considered deadly force, the sprays are legal in most states and usually no special permit to own or dispense the chemical is required. However, there are some states that do restrict the purchase and use of pepper spray. In New York, for example, the pepper spray must be purchased from with-in the state, from a licensed pharmacist or firearms dealer. Massachusetts also requires the spray to be purchased from a licensed firearms dealer. In Michigan, “OC” pepper spray cannot be stronger than 2%, and in Wisconsin, the spray cannot exceed 10%. In California and Florida pepper spray is legal up to a 2oz. unit. When traveling, OC cannot be taken on board any airplane for obvious security reasons. Before purchasing pepper spray it would be wise to check with the police department for local and state laws on its’ use 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.