Pepper Spray

  The active ingredient in PEPPER SPRAY is Oleoresin Capsiscum, commonly referred to as OC.  The potency of PEPPER SPRAY depends on the percentage of OC in the mixture.  Concentrations generally run from 5% to approximately 20%.  OC is a biological substance that occurs naturally in varieties of common peppers.  It has proven to be a more desirable agent for self-defense purposes because it is more effective on more people than are the older chemical agents, CS and CN (commonly referred to as MACE).  Another advantage is that there is a larger group of people who may suffer allergic reactions to  CS or CN exposure compared to OC exposure.  Some states prohibit the possession and use of CS or CN by civilians but allow civilian possession/use of PEPPER SPRAY.

   The underlying strategy of PEPPER SPRAY is to accommodate escape from an assailant.  When someone experiences the unexpected exposure to PEPPER SPRAY, they experience an intense burning sensation in their mucous membranes, an interruption in their visual acuity, and and interruption in their respiratory ability.  Some people have reported experiencing anxiety attacks and thoughts that they were experiencing a heart attack following an unexpected exposure to PEPPER SPRAY.  Their mental focus is inevitably shifted from their intended assault to figuring out what the hell happened and their recovery.  This provides the intended victim with precious time to escape.  (It is important to remember that the immediate reaction after deployment of PEPPER SPRAY is to run away and to find help and not to pause to gauge the effectiveness of the PEPPER SPRAY or to admire your handiwork.)

   You'll note that many of the pepper spray units offered by GRW Solutions are designed with a key ring or to attach to your key ring.  The reason is that pepper spray, or any self-defense tool for that matter, doesn't do you much good when it's buried in the bottom of a purse or a pant or jacket pocket.  If it is attached to your car keys, you're much more likely to have it in your hand when you're going to or from your vehicle - when you're most likely to need it.  Remember that assailants aren't likely to give you a "time out" or a "do over."  Whatever self-defense tool you determine is most appropriate for you and your self-defense strategy needs to be where you can get it and deploy it at a second's notice.