Surprising History of Pepper Spray

Surprising History of Pepper Spray

Introduction

Pepper spray is a common inflammatory agent used in repelling a would-be assailant. Using the essence of a hot pepper as a weapon is not a new age idea. In fact, it has a rich history. The ancient Chinese put ground cayenne pepper in rice paper and flung it in the faces of their opponents. The Japanese ninjas used ground pepper to disable opponents as well. During Japan's Tukagawa Empire, police used the "metsubishi," a box used to blow pepper into the eyes of captured political opponents.

Today's commercial pepper spray products are mostly O.C. (Oleoresin Capsicum) which is a derivative of the hot pepper family. The degree of OC in solution is often expressed as a percentage, usually in the range of 5% to 15%. A higher percentage of OC may not penetrate the membranes as fast as a lighter concentration. A more scientific rating is in Scoville Units. Look for a product rated at 2 million Scoville units such as the Pepper Shot PS-6 Tri Pack.

Caution

Do not use pepper spray in any situation other than as an emergency defensive device. You can be fined by police or even sued by the person who may claim the assault was inappropriate or injurious.

Pepper spray affects all the mucous membranes (eyes, nose, mouth and lungs). Common reactions are tearing, coughing, gasping for breath and temporary blindness. The effects are temporary but allow you enough time to flea the scene or call 911. Pepper spray has been the preferred first line non-lethal agent for police and security forces for the last few decades.

Pepper Spray Vs Tear Gas

Pepper spray should not be confused with tear gas. We may know tear gas and its effects from newsreels of police using it against political protesters from the 1960s and 1970s. CN was the first tear gas chemical; it was used by civilian and military forces in the early 20th century. Its effects were similar to pepper spray although there were concerns about its potency and stability. It is still used in many parts of the world and was the active ingredient in the original Mace.

CN was developed in the 1950s. This chemical is typically dispersed in a cloud or fog and causes severe tearing and skin irritations. During the Vietnam War, the United States developed an array of delivery vehicles for CS, including small pocket grenades, the "Mighty Mite" (a continuous spray device used in caves and tunnel systems) and 58-kg cluster bombs dropped from helicopters and planes. CS quickly became the chemical of choice for police to control unruly crowds

Tear gas tends to hang in the air and may keep its potency where it lays for days. Most important, unlike pepper spray, tear gas in high concentartions has caused pulmonary failure, heart attacks and severe gastroenteritis. For those reasons, OC pepper spray has replaced CS in many parts of the world, Mace Michigan Approved PepperGard.html contains CS tear gas and a UV dye to aid in identification.

Dos and Don'ts

For pepper spray to be effective, it must hit the face and if possible the eyes. To that end, a consumer can choose from several dispersion methods including gets, foams and traditional sprays. Gels and foams tend to stick to the attacker's face causing maximum tearing. These canisters are under pressure to they can typically shoot for 8 to 12 feet. To spray multiple attackers, choose the Mace Pepper Baton Fogger.

Most pepper products contain several short bursts. Unless you purchase a 2 ounce or larger canister, you are limited to perhaps 4 to 7 short shots which may be enough.

When used properly and in the appropriate situation, pepper spray can indeed be a life saving device. Most containers are small and inconspicuous. Some come in various disguises like the Pepper Pager. Although you hope to never use it, it just may save your life.

 

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