About Self Defense Spray
Defense sprays are inexpensive, easy to use and legal (with some restrictions) in all states. The sprays are also very lightweight and are, therefore, ideal self-defense weapons for walkers, joggers and hikers. Does this Spark an idea?
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Types
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There are two main types of ingredients in self-defense sprays: oleoresin capsicum, which is an extract from cayenne and other hot peppers, and tear gas. Pepper spray is very effective alone--more so than tear gas, but some products contain a combination of both pepper spray and tear gas for maximum effect.
The standard pepper spray canister disperses the pepper spray as a liquid stream. An alternative type, popular with many, are foggers. Foggers spray a cloud of pepper spray instead of a stream. Foggers are easier to use because aim does not have to be as precise. Foggers are also better suited to defending against several attackers at once.
Self-defense spray dealers also sell pepper spray in the form of foams and gels. The canisters holding the foams or gels are similar to those that hold liquid versions of pepper spray.
Size
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You can purchase pepper spray in very small amounts--as wearable rings, which contain only one shot of spray--and in larger sizes that are more practical for most self-defense situations. The ring sprays have a very short range of about a foot, and so you must be very close to your attacker for this size of spray to be effective.
The pepper spray key chain canister holds enough defense spray for average self-defense needs. This 1/2-oz. size is convenient for carrying on a day-to-day basis.
Home and car defense sprays are larger, usually one to three ounces. Law enforcement uses even larger sizes for crowd control. Bear spray, a specially formulated bear repellent, also comes in large canisters and these project the defense spray 15 to 30 feet. -
Effects
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Pepper spray causes almost immediate swelling of the eyelids and mucus membranes; the attacker is rendered less harmful as he cannot see well. In addition, pepper spray also causes inflammation of the respiratory tract, creating significant discomfort. These effects last at least 15 minutes (much longer for most defense spray strengths), which gives you ample time to get away from the attacker. Long-term effects from pepper defense sprays and combined sprays are rare.
Warning
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You will not have time to consider wind direction if attacked, but if you use a spray, avoid getting any on you if you can. Some pepper spray models are designed to lessen the users' exposure to the spray. Spray canister models designed to propel the spray further, or those that contain pepper gels and foams may be best if you live in a windy area. Gels and foams are also better for indoor use as they do not give off the fumes the sprays do.
Like any weapon, if you don't use defense sprays correctly, your attacker can take the spray from you and use it on you. Be prepared to spray more than once and quickly leave the area.
After purchasing a defense spray, you should test it to get a feel for how far it shoots, and to make sure it functions correctly.
Considerations
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Your state may have restrictions on defense sprays. You should check your local laws before attempting to buy pepper spray, tear gas or combination sprays.
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