The short simple answer is because it's effective, inexpensive and easy to use...
Make the most of what you have, when you have it, where you are. -Eleanor Roosevelt
Have you ever been pepper sprayed? I have and it was no joke, in fact it totally sucked. I will not be raising my hand to do it again either, haha! That being said, if you carry pepper spray it is very likely you will get it on you. You need to understand that you are NOT going to die and you need to stay in the fight. In fact, I want to encourage you to put a small amount on your finger and rub under your eye and nose just to get a feel of the sensation. I will be offering the pepper spray course online soon where I will go into greater detail on HOW, WHEN and WHY to use it along with a lot more information including the 4 S's of Pepper Spray, what you must do every time you pick it up or plan to use it.
Pepper spray is legal in all 50 states, 2 oz or less. You must be 18 years old to possess it. It is non-lethal and very effective on animals, a bear or much larger animal will need something more powerful than a small hand help personal size. Consider bear spray or look into a lethal option.
So what is pepper spray?
OLEORESIN A mixture of resin and an essential oil occurring in various plants. CAPSICUM Any of several varieties of the pepper with pungent fleshy pods, i.e. chili peppers, cayenne peppers, etc. CAPSAICIN A bitter, strongly irritating, white crystalline alkaloid, C18 H27 NO3, extracted from capsicum. It’s the stuff that makes it HOT! In fact, capsaicin can be detected by humans at 1 part per million. The method used to extract the capsaicin from the capsicum and the percentage of compounds used varies among manufacturers. Capsaicin is currently used in topical ointments to relieve pain. It is being explored as a cure for diabetes, and cancer research studies suggest it may kill prostate cancer cells. All hot peppers contain Capsaicinoids, natural substances that produce a burning sensation in the mouth, cause eyes to water, the nose to run, and even induce perspiration. They have no flavor or odor but act directly on the pain receptors. The primary Capsaicinoid is Capsaicin. The Capsaicinoid content is measured in parts per million. These parts per million are converted into Scoville Heat Units, the industry standard for measuring a pepper’s punch. One part per million is equivalent to 15 Scoville Units. Bell peppers have a value of zero while habaneros register 200,000 to 300,000. Pure Capsaicin has a Scoville Heat Unit score of 16 million. *Wikipedia, 2007 and www.cybersauce.com
Unlike tear gas and mace, Oleoresin Capsaicin Pepper Spray is not an irritant, it’s an inflammatory agent. OC Pepper Spray is something you should consider for personal self-defense use. Although the effects of a shot to the face with this stuff can last upwards of 45 minutes there are no long term effects or damage to delicate tissues. The spray itself is a solution rather than a particulate and because it’s a naturally occurring chemical, it’s biodegradable. Some pepper sprays come with a dye in the solution which could last several days but is also non-toxic and no lasting effects.
Carrying pepper spray is again, a personal choice and one you must be totally comfortable with. Luckily, it comes in a variety of delivery systems and types, there is even a pepper spray gel. Just be careful not to spray yourself with it; you will hate life for about an hour.
I think pepper spray is a great tool to have in your tool belt. Ladies, you want options and choices and pepper spray has its place. Is the home invader kicking down your front door with only a pepper spray, not likely so you must be willing to formulate a solid plan with the ability to have other tools available. Help Me Help Her can help you with that plan.
As with any personal safety option you choose proper training is a must. You are only as good as the time and commitment you put into your training and education. Until next time, keep your head on a swivel and always think one step ahead...
In Gratitude,
-Vicki
Remember, You are more powerful than
the danger that you fear.