The Important Role that Self Defense Sprays Play

Self defense sprays are popularly used for defense against crime perpetrators such as would be rapists and robbers. They are also used for self defense against animals such as dogs as well as crowd and riot control. They are lachrymatory agents or products that cause irritation in the eyes. The main active ingredient in these sprays is oleoresin capsicum (OC) which is an inflammatory agent that also causes swelling in the mucous membranes of the upper respiratory tract. It also causes pain, temporary blindness and difficult breathing.

 If you were to use pepper spray on a person, his/her eyes would clamp shut and if the person manages to open them, there is a high chance that he/she would not see a thing because the capillaries of the eyes will be dilated and cause temporary blindness. The person may also suffer an uncontrollable fit of coughing due to breathing problems. Even though the assailant will be able to breathe enough to stay alive, this experience can be debilitating. Some people may subsequently experience headaches for a number of hours after the incident.

Self defense sprays are non toxic, extremely effective and safe. Their effects last for about 30 to 45 minutes depending on the potency of the spray solution. These sprays are loved by many users because of their non lethal nature, their potency and their relatively low cost. They are ideal for self defense against assaults.

Each model of self defense spray has a different number of shots and a different range. Typically, most sprays shoot ten to twelve feet and have an average of ten shots each. The common shelf life for these sprays is 3 years and this is due to the fact that the propellant in them deteriorates over time. Some brands of pepper sprays have a shelf life of four years. Their expiration date is usually stamped on the bottom of each container. The most common disbursement method is a stream but gel, foggers and foams are available.

 Self defense sprays may not hold up well in rainy or windy conditions but some brands promise to fire with adequate force that allows them to hold up in such conditions. Sprays that have a ballistic stream hold up more effectively. Pepper sprays allow you to avoid physical contact with an assailant because you just have to hit the person's eyes from a distance.

Some self defense sprays come disguised as common products like pens and lipstick. This can be very advantageous in certain situations. These products are rated for effectiveness through a measurement of hotness known as the Scoville heat unit. The other common measurement used to indicate potentcy is the percentage of oleoresin capsicum.

 Most sprays have a ten percent concentration of OC but some have a high OC concentration such as eighteen percent. Another measurement used to indicate effectiveness is the strength of capsaicin and related capsaicinoids. These are one of the best selling self defense products in the world and they provide users with excellent protection.

 Standard shipping is FREE for all retail orders totaling $100.00 or more! (48 Continental US orders only) Flat rate of $8.50 shipping applies to orders under $100.00.