Frequently
Asked Questions About Pepper Spray
Is pepper spray
legal?
In most states pepper spray is
legal to possess and carry. You should check with your local
law enforcement office or your states Attorney Generals
office for any regulations your state may have. There are
states where pepper spray is legal but there may be size,
age or OC concentration restrictions. You should check on
these restrictions as well.
Is there
anyplace where I cannot carry my pepper spray?
Yes. You cannot
carry pepper spray on board commercial aircraft. This is a
Federal crime that can carry up to a $25,000 dollar fine. It
is ok to carry pepper spray in your checked baggage although
it is highly advisable that you notify the ticketing agent
when you check your baggage. Also since 9/11/01 you may have
issues when carrying pepper spray into secured locations
such as a Federal buildings, State buildings or anyplace
where you pass through a security checkpoint. Although there
are no laws that we are aware of you should use your common
sense here.
How does pepper
spray work?
Pepper spray's active
ingredient is OC or oleoresin capsicum. The OC is derived
from Cayenne peppers these are some of the hottest peppers
in the world. Unlike MACE or tear gas, which are irritants,
pepper spray OC is an inflammatory agent. Contact with
mucous membranes (eyes, nose, throat and lungs) causes
immediate dilation of the capillaries. This can result in
temporary blindness and instant inflammation of the
breathing tube tissues and systematically cuts of all but
life support breathing. OC also will create an intense
burning sensation on the surface of the skin. However, OC
will cause no lasting after effects. The effects last from
15 to 60 minutes. Because OC is an inflammatory agent and
not an irritant it is effective on those who feel no pain
such as psychotics and those under the influence of drugs or
alcohol.
When should I use
my pepper spray?
Although no defense item is
100% effective in every situation you will need to assess
the situation as it happens. You should ONLY use pepper
spray if you are threatened or your life is in danger.
please note that it IS a crime to use pepper spray to commit
malicious acts.
How do I use my
pepper spray?
If you have to use your pepper
spray make sure you have distance between you and the threat
if at all possible. Aim the spray at the eyes and facial
region of the threat then release a 1 to 2 second burst of
spray. After you have done this MOVE out of the way but keep
your eyes on the threat. Pepper spray can take a couple of
moments to cause a reaction and by watching the reactions of
the threat you will be able to determine if you will require
another shot of pepper spray. Boxers have a saying "Stick
and Move" well the same applies here. Just remember "Spray
and Move", "Spray and Move". Once the threat is eliminated
seek help and call the police.
What is pepper
spray made of?
Pepper spray is a derivative
of Cayenne pepper. The oils are extracted from the pepper
using a high-pressure process. This process leaves you with
the active ingredient in pepper spray known as OC or
OleoResin Capsicum. The pure pepper extract is then diluted
with an inert ingredient that reduces the SHU or Scoville
Heat Unit to get it down to a useable SHU for pepper spray.
SHU is a unit of measurement that determines how hot
something is the rating goes from 1 million SHU up to 5
million SHU. 1 million SHU is detectable on the palette in
concentrations as little as 1 part per million or 1 drop of
OC in 1 million drops of water. All of our sprays are 2
million SHU and in much higher concentrations than 1 part
per million.
Will my pepper
spray expire?
Yes. That is why we print an
expiration date on every can of pepper spray. Expiration
date is 3 to 4 years from the date of purchase. Although the
spray life is indefinite it does start to lose potency over
time. We strongly advise you to replace your pepper spray
every year! That way you are always assured of the potency
of the spray.
How can I be
assured my pepper spray will work when I need it?
You should get
in the habit of testing your defense spray every 90 days. To
do this first go outside and determine which direction the
wind is blowing. Remember to always stand upwind from the
direction you are spraying. Depress the firing mechanism for
� second. This test should be performed upon purchase and
every 90 days after that. Be aware that every time you test
your spray you reduce the contents of the canister. If you
are using a key chain model and you test regularly you will
need to replace the unit every 9 to 12 months if you follow
the recommended testing procedure above. See the reference
chart on the back of the packaging for additional
information.
How effective is
my defense spray? Aerosol defense
sprays are effective in most, but not all situations.
Attackers under the influence of drugs or alcohol or people
with special training, i.e. military or martial arts
training may not be affected as others.
The Most Often Asked
Questions About Mace Brand Defense Sprays
What is Mace? Mace
is a registered tradename for our unique brand of aerosol
defense spray. It is also the name of our company.
What is a Mace Aerosol
Defense Spray? A Mace brand aerosol defense spray is a
humane and effective self defense device containing OC
Pepper, Tear Gas or both. It is an effective means of
non-lethal self defense for people concerned with
personalsafety and security.
What are the different
"Mace" formulations and how do they work? Triple Action
is a blend of OC Pepper, CN Tear Gas and UV Ultra-Violet
dye. This formula combines the coughing, irritation and
watery eyes of Tear Gas and the eye-shutting, "burning"
effect of Pepper to disorient an attacker. The spray should
be aimed at the face of an attacker.
What do I do when my
Mace Unit expires or is empty? Your Mace Unit does
contain chemicals and should be disposed of in accordance
with all local, state and federal regulations. |
