What Is Pepper Spray (OC)?

Most of us have heard that pepper spray is a great way to defend ourselves again attackers but what is pepper spray? How does it work? What is the most effective pepper spray? These are good questions and questions that should be understood if you want to utilize the product as effectively and as efficiently as possible.

Pepper spray is a spray that consists of an active ingredient often referred to as OC, which is technically known as Oleoresin Capsicum. These products can be either water based or oil based. Oil based products are preferred by many consumers because the active ingredients don’t separate from the other ingredients, meaning it will be more efficient because you don’t have to worry about shaking the can before spraying, which could delay ones ability to ward off an attacker.

Most pepper spray products are non toxic and non flammable so you don’t need to worry about causing permanent damage to yourself or another person when the product is sprayed. The idea is to effect and attacker with the spray so that you can get away. The spray can be sprayed on the attacker causing intense itching and burning and this will last anywhere from 20 to 90 minutes, which will ensure that the user of the product has plenty of time to get to safety. The units of pepper spray can be fired several times, so it isn’t a one shot chance of slowing your attacker. The product will usually spray easily anywhere from 8 to 20 feet.

The active ingredient, the OC, is similar to hot cayenne peppers. The beneficial thing about this product is that it will cause a reaction with every potential attacker even those who are under the influence of other substances. When the pepper spray reaches the eyes, the nose, the throat and the lungs the symptoms will be immediate. The attacker will experience temporary blindness, they will have difficulty breathing and they may find that they sneeze, their eyes water and they cannot stop coughing.

Pepper spray is the product of choice for many people who work outdoors. This is because the product is not just effective in keeping human attackers away but will also keep bear, deer and other wild animals away from a person. There is even bear spray that is manufactured specifically to deter bears. It’s important to remember that you don’t need the most expensive pepper spray or the strongest pepper spray; you just need a product that will be easy to use when you need it most.

Pepper spray is essentially a self defense tool. When you purchase it the hope is that you will never have to use it. It never expires, so you can buy the product to be safe, knowing that no matter how much time passes, that it will be there for you to use should you need it. There are many different pepper spray products to choose from, so remember that the goal is simply to have a product that is easily accessible and will be easy to use when the situation calls for it.