About Self Defense Sprays

The idea behind using self-defense spray is to quickly and effectively stop an attacker or perpetrator while causing no permanent injury.

A Brief History of Defense Spray Used Today

The spray used today, (oleoresin of capsicum (OC) spray) was first used as a dog repellent in the 1980s by the U.S. Postal Service. These sprays soon after became endorsed by the FBI as an "official chemical agent" in defense against criminals.

By 1991, more than 2,500 law enforcement agencies around the country added defense spray to their self protection arsenals.

Mace and Pepper Spray

In almost all Western countries around the world, defense spray is another term for pepper spray, replacing the widely used "Mace". Here's the crucial difference. Mace is a man-made chemical irritant, while pepper spray is made from hot cayenne peppers. Pepper spray will do no permanent injury but is proven to be as effective as the original mace was.

Today, "Mace" only exists as a brand-name, because defense spray is generally so widely known by that name. The main ingredient, oleoresin of capsicum (OC), is the same ingredient found in all defense sprays sold today.

Check for Quality

Do not to be confused with thinking that all quality of pepper spray is the same. Since defense spray is made from cayenne peppers and cayenne peppers are naturally grown they will vary in strength. When shopping for defense spray for your own use, whether it be in the context of law enforcement or personal protection, be sure that the company employs solid methods of testing the potency of the product that goes into the canister that you will purchase. Certain companies will be willing to sell pepper spray that is weak and ineffective because they do not test on a regular basis.

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