What is it?
Pepper spray, of which the active ingredient is capsaicin, is also known as OC (oleoresin capsicum) spray or OC gas and is a non-lethal chemical weapon used primarily for riot control by military and police forces. Pepper spray is also popular as a self defense measure, and it is carried by many people for this purpose. Residents of Washington, D.C. must register pepper spray with the police, and residents of the UK may not legally possess it at all¹.
What does it do?
It may be non-lethal, but it certainly isn't non-painful. Police grade sprays can have a Scoville heat rating of over 5,000,000; civilian grade sprays average around 2,000,000¹. Pepper spray incapacitates by causing temporary blindness when it contacts the eyes and intense burning when it contacts bare skin. It also causes the mucous membranes to swell which hampers the ability to breathe. If you are unlucky enough to get sprayed, expect the effects to last from as little as 30 minutes to as much as over an hour.
What if I "accidentally" get some on me?
The short answer is to wait. There is no way to completely neutralize pepper spray. That being said, it can be further diluted. Water won't work, but a combination of milk, honey, a mild detergent, and some baking soda should cool the affected areas and remove some of the pepper spray¹. Rubbing alcohol or cooking oil can also be used as capsaicin is soluble in both ethanol and oil. After washing the affected area(s), a cold shower will remove more irritant. The method of bathing should be a cold shower because warmth opens the pores and bath water just collects and redistributes the chemical.
How do I use it, and where do I get it?
Civilian grade pepper spray is relatively easy to find. A quick Google search turns up numerous web sites where pepper spray can be purchased. I have also seen it in hardware, home improvement, and outdoor stores. Police or military grade pepper spray is harder to find. The only manufacturer I could find is Zarc, but they only sell to U.S. Law Enforcement, U.S. Military, U.S. Commercial Security, and International Governments².
Pepper spray comes in three varieties: spray, grenade, and bullet. The spray type is used like a normal spray can. Point the nozzle at the subject and spray. Zarc's standard duty spray has a range of around 15 feet and is good for 12 ½ second shots³. Grenades are primed and then thrown. Zarc's only grenade will cover a 10,000 cubic foot area, and the grenade's constant discharge lasts for 45 seconds³. The bullets are full of pepper spray and designed to fall apart on impact and not enter the body. Although the bullets are designed to be non-lethal, at least one person has been killed by one (a fan celebrating after the Boston Red Sox won the 2004 American League championship).
The average consumer will buy the spray variety. There are three types of sprays: stream, mist, and foam. Stream has the longest range, but it's the most difficult to aim. Mist is the easiest to aim, but is has the shortest range. Foam is the middle ground as it is relatively easy to aim and has a decent range. Foam is the most sensible choice; you need it to work easily at close range, and the increased difficulty in aiming the stream isn't worth the extra range.
Should I get some?
Sure. If you would feel safer carrying some, go for it. Just like any weapon, however, understand how it works and be prepared to use it. Take a training or self defense class if they are offered in your area. Otherwise, call the local police station and ask what resources there are to learn about pepper spray and its proper use. Carrying a weapon that scares you or that you don't know how to use is dangerous and irresponsible.
Works cited
- Wikipedia: Pepper spray, author unknown, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pepper_spray
- Sales and Ordering - Zarc International, Inc. - http://www.zarc.com/english/cap-stun/sales/index.html
- CAP-STUN OC Products - Zarc International, Inc. - http://www.zarc.com/english/cap-stun/index.html
Works referenced
Thanks to avalyn for informing me about the rubbing alcohol treatment and pepper spray bullets.
Thanks to yclept for recommending that I add that pepper spray is also soluble in oil.
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