Myths about Pepper Sprays

Is Bear Spray or Pepper Spray Stronger? Can I use Pepper Spray in the rain? Is it true that Pepper Spray doesn’t work if the assailant is on drugs?

Let’s break down everything you need to know about Pepper Sprays, when to use them, and what to know about them.

Myth #1 - It is Better to Use Bear Spray than Pepper Spray

Defense sprays are chemicals and are regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Read full regulation here>

What is Pepper Spray, Bear Spray, and Dog Spray? The active ingredient in all three sprays is oleoresin capsicum (sometimes called OC, or capsaicin, capsaicinoids or CRC). Under the CRC heading, there are six (6) different types of capsaicinoids with different levels of potency. Manufacturers do not state which type they are using and also do not state the % but are required to comply with federal regulations.

CRCs are a compound inflammatory agent that irritates the eyes to cause a burning sensation, pain and temporary blindness. It is used in policing, riot control, crowd control, and self-defense - including self-defense against dogs and bears. It causes the eyes to close, temporarily taking away vision. It can also create temporary discomfort and burning of the lungs which causes shortness of breath.

It was originally engineered into a spray against bears, mountain lions, wolves and other animal predators and has since been adapted for human self-defense.

The difference between Pepper Spray and Bear Spray is the concentration of the ingredient and the range of the spray.

The US federal government regulates the range of allowed % for personal use on humans and use on bears.

• For personal use on human assailants (both civilian and law enforcement sprays) - the % of active ingredient can range from .18% to 1.33%

• Bear deterrent sprays must contain at least 1% and not more than 2%. Bear sprays are intentionally more potent and produce larger clouds going further distances and can spray faster. EPA regulates bear spray as a pesticide given the concentration of the active ingredient. Language on bear spray labeling mentions ingredients contains hazards to humans and domestic animals. Bear spray should not be used on humans or domestic animals for this reason.

• Dog sprays are not regulated but are sold at a % that is less than humans. This is due to their size. Dog sprays are usually less than 1%.

What is Mace? Mace is a brand of Pepper Spray just like Kleenex is a brand of tissues. Many of us grew up learning the word ‘Mace’ as it was first developed in the 1960’s. It was originally created as a tear gas but was quickly adapted as a personal self-defense tool. Inside the Mace canister is Pepper Spray.

Range of Spray - Most pepper spray canisters spray between 12-20 feet; however, a bear spray canister (which looks more like a mini fire extinguisher) can range from 20-30 feet with some as far as 40 feet.

Myth #2 - The Pepper Spray in My Purse from the 70’s is Still Good

I’m sorry Sister, but that pepper spray in the bottom of your purse is not going to help you in any self-defense circumstance. #1 it’s at the bottom of your purse so good luck finding it in an emergency. #2, it’s expired and will trickle out like an empty ketchup bottle.

Pepper sprays and other similar types of sprays have a shelf-life. The length of the shelf-life varies depending on the brand and type of spray; although it is generally 2 to 5 years. There should be an expiration date on the metal canister of spray. If you cannot find the expiration date or cannot read it, it is a good idea to simply replace your spray every 3 years.

The strength of the spray will decrease over time.

AND

The pressure in the can will decrease over time.

To ensure your spray lasts its full life, make sure it’s in a cool, dry place. Avoid exposure to extreme temperatures as this will degrade the life of the spray (so if you are storing the spray in your car overnight in extreme heat or cold temperatures, it is unlikely to last long.) Ideal temperature is between 50-70 degrees.

Not sure if your spray is expired and your budget it tight? Give it a small test. If you do not sense a STRONG potent stream when you test it, it is expired.

Myth #3 - All Pepper Sprays Are Equal

As indicated above, pepper sprays can come in different % of concentrations as well as contain any of 6 different type of CRCs; however they are all similarly effective. However, there is 1 differentiator.

Pepper Gel is made like Pepper Spray and contains the same ingredients; however, it’s manufactured as a thicker substance - a gel. This allows it to travel further than spray and decrease wind blowback. Why is blowback important? If wind plays a factor when you need to use the spray, you probably don’t want the spray blowing back in your face. Pepper Gels also do not disipate as easily into the air, making it safer to use indoors as it impacts the person you intend to impact. The added stickiness of the gel also makes it harder for the assailant to wipe it off.

On average, Pepper Gel tends to run a few dollars more than Pepper Spray but it also tends to shoot a bit further in distance.

If you have the opportunity to purchase a Pepper Gel vs a Pepper Spray; it is going to be more effective.

A huge factor that many consider when purchasing a self-defense tool is ……. Will I (or the person you’re buying it for) actually use it? Many Pepper Sprays come in multiple colors: some with bling, camo, and look like accessories. In contrast, pepper gels tend to be more utilitarian looking.

So, first and foremost, choose the product most likely to be used. If that is not a factor, then select the Pepper Gel.

Myth #4 - Pepper Spray Works on Everyone

Unfortunately, No. Pepper spray may not be as effective on intoxicated people, altered states of mind due to narcotics or mental illness, or those that have a high threshold to pain. Many also just fight through the effects (as police officers are trained to do.) A number of studies have concluded that pepper spray use is effective anywhere from 82-85% of the time; however, when it is effective, the duration of effectiveness can last as long as 45 minutes (as compared to a stun gun which may last anywhere from 5-60 minutes depending on the person and circumstances of the stun.)

One key ingredient to effectiveness is the skill of the person using it. Most people do not know how to use pepper spray. Pepper spray is MOST effective at a 10ft. range. Too close and you’ve sprayed yourself. Too far away, and you’ve created a cloud around them. You should train with pepper spray as you would with any other self-defense tool.