When it comes to personal security, there are many things that you can do to feel safe. Aside from using common sense when outside of your home, you can also choose to carry defensive tools in case of an emergency. Pepper Spray (also called ‘Mace’) has become a defensive standard mostly targeted towards single women, though can be a useful personal protection tool for anyone looking for extra personal security. However, not all pepper spray products are equally effective as a self defense product. Here is some information that can help you make the best choice when buying pepper spray.
A Word of Caution
Pepper Spray devices are technically legal in every state, though may often be subject to strict regulations. In order to avoid being fined or charged with possessing an illegal pepper spray product, be sure to pay attention to your specific state’s regulations. Many states restrict the percentage concentration of the active ingredient in many pepper spray products, or the specific chemical that can be used. States that currently have regulations are:
California
In California, it is only legal to carry or possess a pepper spraying canister that is less than 2.5 ounces in net weight. Approved canisters must also carry a warning label.
New York
In New York, you may only purchase a pepper spray product from a licensed firearms dealer or an approved pharmacy. Purchasing from any other source may result in a fine or legal action.
Wisconsin
In Wisconsin, only pepper sprays containing OC (Oleoresin Capsicum) as the active ingredient are legal. Sprays with CS or CN (man-made ‘tear gas’ chemicals) are illegal in Wisconsin. The OC concentration in the spray must not be stronger than 10%, and the can must be between 15 and 60 grams. Safety features are also a requirement.
Michigan
CS tear gas and OC pepper spray are both legal in Michigan. However, the OC concentrate in the pepper spray must not be more than 2% concentration. The limit for both pepper spray and tear gas is 35 grams, with tear/pepper combination sprays being illegal.
Massachusetts
To purchase pepper spray in Massachusetts, you must obtain a FID (Firearms Identification Card). In addition to this, it is only legal to purchase pepper spray from licensed firearm dealers locally.
In addition to these state-specific laws, it is never legal to carry pepper spray onto an aircraft. You may be able to carry pepper spray in your checked baggage, as long as you inform your airline beforehand. Pepper spray may also be banned from courthouses, federal buildings and other places that involve passing through a security checkpoint.
Types of Pepper Spray Devices
Not all pepper spray devices are designed to work in the same way. Some are designed to emit a liquid spray, others emit a foam or a fog-like gas. For defensive purposes, a liquid stream spray is usually the best choice. This is also sometimes referred to as the spray pattern of a specific pepper spray product.
Active Ingredient Percentage
The active ingredient in most pepper spray products is called Oleoresin Capsicum, or OC. This is a concentrated substance that is made from extracts from certain hot peppers (such as cayenne). When sprayed in self defense, it causes your attacker to experience temporary blindness, burning sensations, disorientation and other symptoms.
Many people mistakenly believe that the percentage concentration determines how effective a pepper spray product is. However, this is not true. Pepper sprays with a higher percentage concentration (>10%) may take longer to be effective, and are also illegal in certain states. It’s usually best to purchase a pepper spray product that has from a 2% to 5% OC concentration.
The main factor that affects how well a pepper spray product works as a self-defense measure is the SHU units of the spray. SHU stands for ‘Scoville Heat Units’, and is a rating of how potent the OC concentration in the spray is. You should usually try to purchase a pepper spray product that has at least a 3 million SHU rating.
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