Pepper spray has been in use for years as a weapon for personal self-defense. It’s made in canisters small enough to fit easily into your purse or pocket and even comes in finger rings and key-chains. It’s meant to disable someone trying to accost you, at least long enough for you to get away from the situation, and it works.

Most police officers have a can of ‘mace’ or pepper gas as part of their equipment, just like their gun and handcuffs. It affords a non-lethal means of bringing down a suspect and, you know, the police like to have options. In rare instances a spray will not be totally effective on a particular person, but, usually it has the desired effect.

The word ‘pepper’ in the name is drawn from the source of the main ingredient, capsicum, which is derived from a type of hot pepper plant. The fruit of the plant is extracted, emulsified and then mixed with water and put under pressure in an aerosol can. To use, you simply press the button and spray right in your attackers face. Capsicum is also used in the making of ‘bullets’ for a paintball gun type weapon that police use for riot control.

Pepper spray falls in the category of lachrymatory agents, which means it affects your eyes, causing them to burn and tear up. It will also cause intense pain, forcing you to close your eyes and can even cause temporary blindness. It is considered non-lethal generally, although some deaths have been caused through its use, either directly or indirectly.

It also affects breathing, gives you a runny nose and can even cause temporary blindness. These effects usually last 45 minutes or less, but residual symptoms can last several hours. Some people are less subdued when being sprayed and can keep coming. This is rare, but it does happen. You might want to give them a second dose!

If given the choice, DON’T get sprayed with this stuff. There are stories of people spraying themselves accidentally while checking out their unit. Bad move! If you happen to be in an area where a riot starts (it could happen) and the police start using the capsicum rounds, cover your mouth and eyes and get away. Stay upwind if possible.

There’s a ban against the use of any riot control agents in the waging of war, according to current conventions. That sounds crazy, but it’s the rules! Laws governing the use of sprays for police forces or personal self-protection vary according to country and local jurisdictional practices. In Hong Kong, for instance, non-lethal sprays are classified as firearms and require issuance of a permit to carry. In India, where they’re specifically allowed only for self-defense, no permit is required but products aren’t sold over the counter.

Waging war notwithstanding, pepper spray has a ton of potential uses, like saving your life from a maddened attacker in a dark parking garage some night. Or, you’re out jogging one morning and suddenly there’s a huge German Shepherd on your heels bent on bringing you down. These are 2 good reasons to have a container in your purse or pocket. There are more.

Author: Mike Ward is the owner of Protection Depot, your online source for pepper spray. Get more information on pepper spray and other personal security products please visit Protection Depot.