Fox Labs pepper spray is the Hottest Pepper Spray used by Police and Military Worldwide

Mean Green Now Available only here! See below. Nonflammable! Safe to use with Tasers
Now supplying pepper spray products to the Dept. Of Corrections of Florida, 4th largest DOC in
the country. At an incredible 5,300,000 scoville heat units, Fox Labs pepper spray breaks the
record for creating the most effective pepper spray products ever. Now Fox Labs Pepper Sprays
are available to the public at the best prices only here at DefenseDevices.com.
Honestly folks, from all the feedback and comments from customers which include police,
military, security guards and other professionals, Fox pepper spray is the one they all swear by.
Many won't use any other kind of pepper spray and pay for it out of their own pocket. Experience
has shown fox pepper spray to be the most effective.
Most pepper sprays are between 1/2 million and 2 million shu. Fox pepper spray is refined to 5.3
million shu, that's like the difference in heat between paper burning and a blue-hot blowtorch
(about 451 degrees F vs 2000 degrees F.) However, because of its unique formulation it does not
blister the skin. Public law enforcement agencies across the USA are using Fox pepper spray and
Fox Labs Products.
The Fox pepper spray base formula in this pepper spray costs 10 times (yes, TEN times) more
than the usual standard 2MM base used by others. But, your safety is not negotiable. Get the Best!
We cannot ship Fox pepper spray to NY, MA (w/o FID) HI, AK or APO addresses.
MA residents must have a firearm ID card.

SABRE Advanced 3-In-1 combines both an irritant (CS Military Tear Gas) and an inflammatory
(Oleoresin Capsicum/Red Pepper) to produce a blended formulation, which is superior to all
single ingredient defense sprays. SABRE provides you with the following advantages:

• 5x's more shots per canister - most key chain units contain approximately five (5) shots
while SABRE contains approximately twenty-five (25).
• Advanced 3-In-1 Formulation provides increased stopping power.
• UV Marking Dye for suspect identification.
• 4 year expiration date is up to 2 years longer than most other sprays.
• Guaranteed Heat - Security Equipment Corporation's High Preformance Liquid
Chromatography (HPLC) Laboratory scientificaly ensures heat specifications are met in
every canister. No other manufacturer provides on-site HPLC technology to guarantee the
strength of their sprays.

SABRE is not legal for sale in the following states: HAWAII, MICHIGAN, NEW YORK &
WISCONSIN.
SABRE Red Pepper Sprays

SABRE RED IS OVER SIX TIMES HOTTER THAN THE HOTTEST CHILI PEPPER!

SABRE RED contains 10% oleoresin capsicum measuring 2,000,000 Scoville Heat Units,
producing 1.33% major capsaicinoids. Independant laboratory testing found SABRE RED to be
8% to 86% stronger than the competition.

SABRE RED provides you with the following advantages:

• Lab results show SABRE RED is 8% to 86% hotter than any other civilian red pepper
spray.
• 5x more shots per canister - most key chain sprays contain five (5) shots, SABRE RED
contains twenty-five (25).
• Contains UV Marking Dye for suspect identification.
• 4 year expiration date is up to 2 years longer than most other sprays.
• Guaranteed Heat - Security Equipment Corporation's High Preformance Liquid
Chromatography (HPLC) Laboratory scientificaly ensures heat specifications are met in
every canister. No other manufacturer provides on-site HPLC technology to guarantee the
strength of their sprays.

SABRE RED can be specially formulated to meet the restrictions in Michigan, Wisconsin, and
New York making it is legal for sale in all 50 states.
Pepper Spray is preferred over other types of aerosols because it is primarily composed of natural
food grade ingredients, is environmentally safe, biodegradable, and produces a rapid physical
reaction in low concentrations. All pepper spray products use a nitrogen,CO2 or Freon propellant
which is nonflammable and provides a consistent and reliable spray pattern for years and in a
wide range of temperatures. These products are freshly made continuously and have not been
sitting around in a warehouse for months. We warranty to replace these products ourselves for 1
year but actual shelf life is much longer, around 4 to 5 years(may be less for 1/2 oz. units due to its
small size and small amount of propellant). The OC spray does not deteriorate like tear gas. It is
only the pressurization of the propellant which declines over time. (molecules of propellant leak
past the seals over time) Test spray your pepper spray a couple of times a year to make sure its
operating properly and has not lost pressure.

No one has a quick and 100% effective neutralizing agent for Capsaicin.
Capsaicin is the chemical agent in peppers (not the seeds) which stimulate tissue and fake the
brain into thinking there is pain. No doubt the pain is real though!
Milk, baking soda paste and honey do a good job removing the sting from the fingers and face, but
trace amounts of Capsaicin will remain on the fingers even after dozens of hand washings.
Advice from a Bio-Chemist at Michigan State University is to wash the hands in alcohol. Please be
aware that this will only help to a certain degree.
Ultimately you will need to wait for the skin to slough off the microbes of Capsaicin.

How to Disperse Pepper Spray

Forced cone: This is a variation on the popular cone type and is the best in most situations. It is
a fine mist that comes out in a forceful spray pattern usually at distances from 8 to 12 feet. In the
latest generation of dispensing actuators, the mist is made up of super-fine droplets of pepper
solution. These droplets help to minimize blow-back of pepper formula on you while the mist
(looks like a heavy fog) penetrates the attacker's skin pores and mucous membranes for an
experience they will not soon forget!. This pattern actually spreads out to a width of
approximately 2 feet at its maximum distance. This pattern covers the whole face and is absorbed
into the mucus membrane with hot pepper causing the eyes to seal with tears, nose to run,
excessive coughing, shortness of breath, etc.

Broken-Stream: (and heavy-stream) This type is a variation on the widely distributed stream
type. Very effective at hitting multiple attackers, hitting them in the dark, in tight areas, e.g.,
through your partially opened car window, and helps with aim. The solid stream (similar to the
water guns sold today) will blast an attacker with super-hot pepper! Through a partially opened
car window you have minimum misting action that can contaminate you. If you miss, or the
attacker was in a hard- to-reach area, you can "fan" this spray during discharge. Fanning is a
technique for hitting your mark. You spray the stream then move your dispersions path from side
to to side until yon hit your mark! The stream also provides the heaviest blast of pepper (cans will
empty faster). The pepper works instantly. Causes the eyes to seal with tears, nose to run,
excessive coughing, shortness of breath, etc.

Fogger: This type of spray pattern is great for multiple attackers, crowd control, bears and home
use. One disadvantage is there can be some blow-back of pepper contaminating you, especially if
used outdoors. However, the blast you would receive and the direct blast the attacker receives are
quite different. Where you would tear and cough on a good sized blow-back, the attacker would be
rendered incapacitated for about 30 minutes. You pull the trigger or release button, and "fan"
your path back and forth hitting everything in its path. Picture a mini fire extinguisher! The
pepper works instantly. Causes the eyes to seal with tears, nose to run, excessive coughing,
shortness of breath, etc.

Foam: This type is excellent for blow-back protection and immediate saturation. EXAMPLE: If it
is windy, you can spray this with minimum to no pepper blow-back contaminating you. A
common misconception is that the attacker, once sprayed with the foam can just wiped it away
and continue to attack. This Pepper Foam is like thick, sticky saving cream but with one
addition... 5.3 million Scoville Heat Units of blistering hot pepper. He will try to wipe it off but it
will be to late. The pepper works instantly. Causes the eyes to seal with tears, nose to run,
excessive coughing, shortness of breath, etc.

Types of triggers for pepper sprays.

 ^^^^^^
ABOVE
Mace Pepper Spray Gun Sprays 25 Feet!
Blue and Silver to be available by Mar 5.
The Mace Pepper Gun uses an advanced delivery system utilizing patented Bag-in-a-Can
Technology. This new system allows the pepper spray (OC) to spray in a continuous stream
pattern from any angle, even when Pepper Spray Gun is held upside down.
Sprays 7 stream blasts up to 25 feet. The trigger activated LED light allows for better aim and
temporarily disorients intruder.
You get the extreme range and power of a big, heavy can of riot size pepper spray with a small gun
unit weighing only a few ounces.

Mace Pepper Gun comes with:

Pepper Gun dispenser, One 28 gram OC cartridge, One water test cartridge and
batteries (for the LED light). Refill cartridges are sold separately. Add more OC cartridges at a
discount from the drop down menu.

Features:
Police strength 28 gram OC cartridge Sprays up to 25 feet Contains 7 bursts Trigger activated
LED light Requires Mace Pepper Gun OC Refill Cartridges
Pepper Spray Restrictions Pepper Spray cannot be shipped to NY, MA, MI, HI or AK or outside
the USA. MA residents need an FID card to order pepper spray. Yes, we can ship pepper spray to
MA if you fax a copy of your current FID card to us at 901-881-0842.
Pepper spray products must be shipped by UPS ground.
Temporarily out of silver
Pepper Gel

It is a formulation of pepper suspended in gel instead of a liquid stream, making it more

advantageous to the user. First, it strikes a target at a longer distance. Second, it is non-flammable
and sticks like glue, making it more difficult for the attacker to wipe it off his face. Third, it is even
less contaminating than pepper foam; similar to foam, it does not evaporate as readily as pepper
stream or spray. As a result, both foam and gel should not affect the user in a confined space.
Pepper gel also comes in 2 sizes. The large model contains 45 grams good for 7 one second bursts
and has an effective range of 18 feet while the magnum model contains 79 grams with a fire rate
of 13 one second bursts and with a similar range.

Longer Distance: Conventional aerosol sprays reach up to approximately 15 feet. Mace

Pepper Gel’s® spray can reach a distance up to 25 feet. • Sticks Like Glue: The thick gel
formula sticks to the face of an assailant leaving them temporarily blinded, which allows
for a safe escape. • Stronger Formula: The extremely powerful 1.4% capsaicinoid
concentration is hotter than many other pepper sprays on the market, but the unit is non-
toxic and causes only temporary discomfort. • Streaming pepper sprays can contaminate a
home, mall, hospital, or business with an uncomfortable pepper scent that will take several
hours to dissipate. The gel formula minimizes cross-contamination and is ideal for indoor
use because it allows an assailant to be sprayed without contaminating the surrounding
area. • Shelf Life: Pepper Gel® units are effective for up to three years. • Decontamination:
The gel formula allows for a shortened decontamination period by using soap and water or
a decontamination spray. (Not that we expect you to share that information with an
assailant!) • Price: Mace Pepper Gel® is less expensive than electronic, less-than-lethal
personal defense devices on the market.
Pepper Foam
The high powered Mace® 10% Pepper Foam Magnum model is the ultimate in home or
auto protection. A revolutionary defense spray that combines 10% pepper and foam to
produce a powerful defense during an attack. The thick foam covers an assailant’s face,
making it difficult to see while the OC Pepper forces the eyes to slam shut. Ideal for home,
auto, RV and other indoor or confined spaces. Also includes ultraviolet UV dye to invisibly
mark an assailant which may aid in identification. Model features flip top safety cap. This
113 gram unit sprays 6-10 feet. Contains 10, one second bursts.

Foam is excellent for blowback protection and extremely reduced area

contamination, and immediate saturation. EXAMPLE: If it is windy, you can spray this
with minimum to no pepper blowback contaminating you as found in a standard aerosol spray.
A common misconception is that the attacker, once sprayed with the foam, can just wiped it away
and continue to attack. This Pepper Spray Foam is like thick, sticky saving cream but with one
special feature not found in many types of foam, after contact on the assailant, the foam
immediately starts to break down into a liquid jell form. Other foams retain the foam appearance
for several minutes that could allow the assailant to remove and throw some of the product back
at you
 Pepper Spray, Tear Gas, Mace and The Law

Some states regulate or forbid tear gas, or some may allow cities to make their own assorted laws
regarding tear gas. Many countries, including Canada, also forbid tear gas. For this reason, it's a
good idea to call the law enforcement agency that has jurisdiction over your destination before
you bring tear gas somewhere to find out about its tear gas laws. Misuse of tear gas in California
comes with state penalties of up to a $1000 fine and/or up to three years in prison, not to
mention a possible felony conviction on record. Examples of misuse include using tear gas on
people in anger, spraying it as a joke, or possession of tear gas by prohibited persons. Minors,
drug addicts or persons convicted of felonies, assault or misuse of tear gas are legally prohibited
from possessing tear gas, although there are few barriers to procurement of tear gas by these
people. To be legally purchased, possessed or used in California, any canister must have a label
that says "WARNING: The use of this substance or device for any purpose other than self-defense
is a crime under the law. The contents are dangerous--use with care." The maximum legal net
weight for a canister is 2.5 ounces, or 70 grams of OC, CS or CN. CR is not legal for civilian use.
There are four major chemicals used as tear gasses. The first two are CS and CN, short for
orthochlorobenzalmalononitrile and chloroacetophenone, respectively. They are the most
common by far. A third, code named CR (dibenz(b,f)-1,4-oxazepin), has not come into civilian
use. At standard temperature and pressure, these are actually white crystals with fairly low vapor
pressures, not gasses, and they're not very soluble in water. In order to disperse them, they are
suspended in a liquid carrier and aerosolized. You have probably heard of Mace, which is one of
many brands of CN tear gas and is a well recognized trade name by both civilian and law
enforcement tear gas users. The fourth is pepper spray, which is the oleoresin capsicum extracted
from chili peppers. It's the chemical that gives them their hot quality. OC is a reddish-orange, oily
liquid, insoluble in water. This agent is also dispersed by aerosol. Tear gas has been credited with
saving lives when police are faced with barricade situations and combative suspects. Its use is a
standard tactic which usually facilitates an arrest without the need for lethal force. It has also
been used by the military in Vietnam, amid international controversy. Many considered its use in
warfare to be a violation of the Geneva Protocols. One infamous use of tear gas occurred at Kent
State University in Ohio in 1970. Although National Guard troops shooting students, killing four,
was at the heart of the tragedy, the tear gas deployment on campus is well remembered. Pepper
spray is generally regarded to be the most distressing to experience, but it must be sprayed in the
eyes or inhaled directly to be effective. CS and CN, on the other hand, vaporize to some extent
despite their low vapor pressures and may have some effect on a person who is hit less accurately
due to the vapors being inhaled or drifting into the eyes. CS and CN may have some effect on a
person sprayed in the groin area. Because of the different advantages of each, some formulations
are being manufactured which contain blends of OC and either CS or CN. Also, despite the
absence of vapors from oleoresin capsicum, aerosolized particles can remain airborne for a long
time, especially indoors. Their concentrations can be high enough to irritate many people who
were not even sprayed directly. One type of OC product attempts to eliminate aerosolized pepper
spray entirely by propelling the agent in a thick foam.

While pepper spray is legal for use against bears in most states, the use of mace and tear gas is
not.

The effects of exposure to tear gas can include tearing and involuntary closure of the eyes, with
severe burning sensations on the nerve endings of the skin. Coughing, inflammation, mucous
secretion, headache, dizziness, a tight feeling in the chest or excessive salivation may result.
Pepper spray can cause a significant enough inflammatory response in the eyes to severely
degrade the vision of even a PCP- intoxicated person who can't feel pain. If you are using tear gas
defensively, target the face. A person properly sprayed with tear gas may experience panic,
especially if you achieve an element of surprise. Pepper spray's effects may last up to 40 minutes
after the agent has been completely irrigated from skin surfaces, with some minor irritation
persisting up to a few hours after exposure. CS, CN and CR, on the other hand irritate when there
is a sufficient concentration in contact with the skin and the 15-30 minutes of residual irritation
degrades rapidly. CS is hydrolyzed in water, especially in basic solution; at pH 9, its half-life is
about 1 minute. Your tear gas should come with a package insert that includes first aid
instructions. If you accidentally spray yourself with tear gas, you will probably not be able to find
these instructions, let alone read them--so read them before you need them. If you become
exposed to any of these types of tear gasses, copious amounts of cool water should begin to
provide relief and rinse away the tear gas contamination. Warm water may intensify the burning
and inflammation, though. Fresh air helps, and washing twice with soap is recommended. Try not
to rub! Don't use a soap that contains a lot of oils, and don't apply oily lotions--they will carry tear
gas particles deeper into your skin and prolong your discomfort. Remove any contact lenses if you
get tear gas into your eyes--but not with fingers that have additional tear gas contamination.
Don't touch your face before washing your hands after contacting tear gas. Remove any
contaminated clothing, as you may recontaminate yourself from them, and CN or CS- soaked
clothing will continue to give off noxious vapors. Pain may be reduced by taking an over-the-
counter anti-inflammatory drug, like ibuprofen. In addition, an over-the-counter antihistamine
may alleviate some of the effects of pepper spray. Unfortunately, the time it takes for your body to
deliver the drug in a pill to the sites of irritation make them of little use until the effects are
already wearing off. They will be most effective if taken before exposure, like the antidotes to
some chemical warfare agents, making them rarely useful. Infants are very sensitive to tear gas
and should be taken to a doctor immediately if exposed to it. Tear gas as a weapon of self defense
can be an excellent distraction, allowing the victim time to get away. However, unlike a firearm, it
has little “stopping power,” little ability to actually stop an attacker from causing you injury. Tear
gas does not paralyze. A person sprayed with it may still grab you, hit you, stab you or shoot you.
Also, tear gas may not affect the insane, addicts, intoxicated or hysterical persons.

A person threatening you with a lethal weapon can injure you mortally in less time than it takes
you to draw and aim a tear gas weapon. An assailant may be able to take your canister away from
you and use it against you. If this is happening, try to throw the spray away out of reach. Your
spray could backfire at you in wind. Both wind and rain may reduce its range and effectiveness.
CS, CN and CR tear gasses are usually not very effective against animals. In fact, law enforcement
uses horses and dogs in areas they have deployed tear gas. OC has been proven effective against
many animals, and has been available to the California public in an aerosol form for this purpose
even before its use against humans became legalized. Most canisters sold for self-defense against
humans, however, are marked “Not tested on animals.” If you are attacked, use plenty of spray in
the assailants face and run away immediately Tell law enforcement about the incident right away.
Remember a description of the assailant and the location of the incident and tell them to law
enforcement in order to make an arrest possible. The best safety measure is to avoid unnecessary
risks whenever possible. Have a security plan: Make a habit of walking with others and stick to
paths with good lighting, in public view whenever possible. Avoid areas known to be dangerous--
never go with tear gas where you wouldn't go without. Although the Materials Safety Data Sheet
for OC does not list any known specific lethal dose or lethal concentration, pepper spray has been
implicated in the deaths of some people who were sprayed with it. These people suffered
anaphylaxis, a violent allergic reaction that can be life threatening. Symptoms can include airways
obstructed by swelling, fainting, and shock. Asthmatics are at higher risk of having an adverse
reaction to pepper spray. Another bizarre risk factor that was recently reported is a history of
violent behavior and confrontations with law enforcement; this statistic may be an artifact of
these people having a higher probability of exposure in the first place, or having a higher
probability to multiple exposures which might cause allergic sensitization in some individuals.
For the reason of additional risk to asthmatics, such people who wish to carry tear gas for self
defense but worry about possible wind-blowback may wish to consider a formulation which does
not contain oleoresin capsicum, or at least a foam type pepper spray which reduces the risk from
airborne particles of the OC agent. This risk of a bad reaction, however, is not going to be reduced
for the user of a foam in a situation where an assailant takes the weapon away and uses it against
the victim. Also, the possibility of this reaction emphasizes the importance of using pepper spray
only in defense of people, not property. It also adds potential liability in these litigious times.

Canisters may have a shelf life of three to six years. They are usually conservatively dated to expire
in one year. Shake the canister about once a month to keep the ingredients mixed. Canisters have
the active ingredient mixed in a liquid, and a pressurized gas propellant. The inside of a tear gas
canister is like a squirt bottle under pressure. An intake straw dips to the bottom of the canister,
into the liquid mixture. For this reason, the canister must remain fairly upright. If it's held upside
down while spraying, only the propellant may escape. If the canister is sprayed upside down, it
will loose pressure and may not be able to spray when you need it, even though you may be able to
hear and feel the liquid sloshing around and you believe the can is full. Other canister failures are
possible. The nozzle may become clogged with lint or dirt. The trigger may break off. If left in a
car on a hot day, a canister may be exposed to temperatures over 140 degrees F. Even if the it
doesn't explode (which it might), this adverse condition may cause a leak or a loss of the pressure
needed to fire the device. It could also shorten the life of the active ingredients. If you wish to test
your canister for pressure, make your spray burst only a fraction of a second and don't do this
often, as there may be as little as four seconds or less worth of spray in some models. The label or
instructions of a good brand should tell you how many seconds of spray it has. Although floating
the device in water to determine the quantity of ingredients left has been recommended in the
past, be aware that this may cause the label to fall off or dissolve, and the device will no longer
comply with the law unlabelled. Keep it away from children! You are responsible for the use of
your canister.

It is vital that you give some thought in advance to how you will carry your tear gas canister. A
purse can be a poor location, as it is likely to end up at the bottom and you will have to dig for it in
an emergency. A purse with an accessible, open pocket where the spray can't get lost may be
better than keeping it loose in the bag, but the first indication that you need your spray may be
when an assailant is already tugging on your purse. Consider carrying the device in the same place
whenever possible. That way, you won't have to think, "where is it today?" in the heat of the
moment. Try various carrying methods and practice drawing the weapon. Make sure you can
draw it quickly from wherever you're keeping it. Good, accessible locations include inside a pants
pocket, especially for the models with a clip. If it's clipped onto the outside of a pocket or belt, it
may be dislodged accidentally or grabbed by an attacker. At the very least, it may be noticed
before you use it, removing the element of surprise which adds to the effectiveness of tear gas.
Most clip models have the clip on the left side of the canister, which leaves the majority of the
canister concealed if it's kept in the left pocket with the clip out. If you are comfortable drawing
the weapon with your left hand, this is a good configuration. If this type of canister were kept in
the right pocket, it would be backwards when it is pulled out. Another good location may be a
loose outer pocket of a jacket. Belt holsters are available for some models. Although these are
visible, the canister may be less recognizable to an attacker in a holster than it would be bare. The
importance of accessibility can not be over stressed. How much warning might you have in a
typical assault? How long does it takes you to draw your weapon? Does the way you carry your
canister allow you to draw it in time to hinder an assault? Keep in mind that most canisters are
effective up to about a ten foot range. You should have your tear gas with you whenever possible.
Hopefully, you will never need it. But if you do, you are unlikely to know when until the very
moment you need to grab for it. Always remember that you assume all risk and liability for
owning and using tear gas, including pepper spray. Even if you use it correctly, there is no
guarantee that it will always be effective at hindering an attack, and there is always the possibility
that it may be used against you instead. I hope this document has given you a better
understanding of tear gas as a weapon for self defense. Please be careful and safe!

F.A.Q.
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. You may also wish to get a
Tactical Use of Defense Spray Manual. It is loaded with useful tips on using defense sprays.

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. Usually this
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. Any use of the spray beyond the expiration date is HIGHLY unadvisable. 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 ½ 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.
What is Mace?

Just as many people mistakenly refer to tissue paper as “Kleenex” or refer to a photocopy as a
“Xerox,” many people refer to defense sprays as “Mace.”

Mace is a brand name that carries a registered trademark owned by Mace Security International
(MSI). MSI originally marketed a particular tear gas self defense spray. Today, Mace brand
defense sprays either contain OC pepper, tear gas or both.

SafetyGearHQ.com carries Mace brand products.

Back To Top

What is Tear Gas?

There are three major chemicals used as tear gases:

1. CS
2. CN
3. CR

The first two are CS and CN, short for orthochlorobenzalmalononitrile and chloroacetophenone,
respectively.

A third, code named CR (dibenz(b,f)-1,4-oxazepin), has not come into civilian use.

Both CS and CN tear gas are synthesized chemicals known as lachrymators. A lachrymator is a
substance that produces profuse tearing.

At standard temperature and pressure, these chemicals are actually white crystals with fairly low
vapor pressures, not gasses, and they are not very soluble in water. In order to disperse them,
they are suspended in a liquid carrier and aerosolized.

Back To Top

Pepper Spray vs. Tear Gas

Pepper spray is not tear gas. Tear gas is not pepper spray.

Pepper spray is a defense spray. Tear gas can be used as a defense spray.

Two important differences between pepper spray and tear gas are:

1. Tear gas is an irritant, and therefore its effectiveness relies mainly on pain compliance.

Pepper spray is an inflammatory agent. The response to contact with pepper spray is
involuntary which makes pepper spray a very effective weapon against drug or alcohol impaired
assailants or animals that may not respond to pain.

As Doug Lamb writes in “Tactical Use of Defense Sprays” - When a person is sprayed with OC
pepper spray, two things happen instantly. First, the person’s eyes clamp shut, hard. Not only
that, but if that person does manage to force his eyes open, the person still cannot see because the
OC dilates the capillaries and causes temporary blindness. Second, an immediate fit of
uncontrollable coughing doubles the person over because the OC causes instant inflammation of
the breathing tissues, restricting all but life support breathing. An assailant who is sprayed with
OC stops what he is doing and stops what he is thinking – period. This is true even for those who
are drunk, on drugs, or psychotic.

2. Tear gas has a high level of toxicity.

OC pepper spray is totally non-toxic.

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We Highly Recommend the Booklet “Tactical Use of Defense Sprays.”

This 32-page booklet teaches choosing a defense spray, how to carry it, how to shoot it, what to do
about multiple assailants, date rape protection, using defense sprays against guns and knives,
home tactical use and much, much more about the realities of protecting yourself with defense
sprays. Written by nationally recognized self-defense expert Doug Lamb.

Click here to see the “Tactical Use of Defense Sprays.”

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Are All Pepper Sprays the Same?

No, all pepper sprays are not the same.

Pepper sprays are rated in two ways: Percentage of Oleoresin Capsicum in the agent itself, and the
“hotness” of the spray, which is measured in Scoville Heat Units (SHU’s).

The percentage of OC has nothing to do with the SHU rating, and vice versa.

One of the biggest misconceptions about pepper spray is that the higher the OC percentage, the
hotter and more effective the spray. In most cases, this could not be further from the truth. The
best, fastest incapacitating pepper sprays in the world are from 2% to 10% OC. The lighter the
fluid, the faster is penetrates the membranes.

So, the percentage of OC is important, but even more important is the SHU rating, as the
percentage has nothing to do with the actual SHU rating or "hotness" of the spray.
A pepper spray with 2,000,000 SHU’s is twice as hot as a pepper spray with 1,000,000 SHU’s.
By the way, 2,000,000 SHU’s is a substantial rating for an effective pepper spray.

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The Physical Effects of Pepper Spray

Pepper Spray has four physiological effects that may be experienced:

1. Eyes – tearing, involuntary closing or complete closing due to dilation of the eye capillaries.
Eyes will appear red/bloodshot for 30 to 60 minutes. People wearing eyeglasses or contact lenses
will be equally affected.

2. Respiratory System – immediate inflammation, including swelling of the throat lining which
can restrict the airway size. Respiratory functions return to normal within 10 to 45 minutes. The
airway will be open enough to allow for sufficient oxygen flow for survival. Due to the reduced
airway flow, the person will probably not receive enough oxygen to continue fighting or other
sustained physical exertion. Temporary paralysis of the larynx. Uncontrollable coughing,
retching, and gasping for air with a gagging sensation in the throat.

3. Effect on the skin: inflammation of the exposed skin with a burning sensation.

4. Effects on muscle coordination: pepper spray exposure may cause a person to lose balance due
to the effect of pepper spray on vision.

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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 ½ 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.

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How Long Will My Pepper Spray Last?

Most pepper sprays have an expiration date stamped on the canister, usually 2 to 4 years from the
time of manufacture.

Although the spray life is indefinite it does start to lose potency over time. Any use of the spray
beyond the expiration date is highly unadvisable. We strongly advise you to replace your pepper
spray long before the expiration date! That way you are always assured of the potency of the
spray.

Take your old one to a safe place and target practice with it. Become familiar with how far it will
spray, how to unlock it, etc. When practicing with your defensive spray, be aware of air
movements and wind patterns and be very careful not to contaminate yourself.

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How is Pepper Spray Made?

Pepper spray is derived from hot peppers. The oils are extracted from the hot peppers using a
high-pressure process. This process leaves you with the active ingredient in pepper spray known
as Oleoresin Capsicum, or “OC.” OC is a reddish-orange, oily liquid, insoluble in water. The pure
pepper extract is then diluted with an inert ingredient that reduces the “hotness” of the extract to
get it down to a useable level for pepper spray.

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The History of Pepper Spray

Oleoresin capsicum spray was developed at the University of Georgia by Professor James H.
Jenkins and Dr. Frank Hayes, D.V.M., in 1960. That formula under the brand name Halt Animal
Repellent was first sold in 1963. Like tear gas, oleoresin capsicum (OC) is non-lethal and induces
temporary incapacitation with no known long-term effects. In 1989 the Firearms Training Unit
(FTU) of the FBI Academy in Quantico, Virginia, completed three years of intensive research on
OC, following which the FBI authorized the use of OC for its special agents and SWAT teams. In
addition, OC has proven effective against domestic and wild animals without endangering the
animals or the environment. OC, in proper dispensing systems, has been successfully used to stop
grizzly bear attacks in Alaska and pit bull dog attacks in California and Texas. The US Postal
Service also issues OC to its letter carriers and animal control facilities also issue animal repellent
to its officers to protect them from dog bites.

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The History of Scoville Heat Units (SHU’s)

Scoville Heat Units (SHU's) is the measurement of the “hotness” of pepper.

All types of chili peppers, including green peppers, jalapenos, and habaneros, all contain an
unusually powerful compound found in no other plant, an alkaloid called capsaicin.

Capsaicin is the horticultural term for the genus that chili peppers are classified. A single drop of
tasteless and odorless capsaicin in 100,000 drops of water is very noticeable. In fact, capsaicin
can be detected by humans at one part per million.

In 1912, pharmacologist Wilbur Scoville developed a standard for measuring the power of
capsaicin: the Scoville Organaleptic Test.

Scoville measured exact weights of chili peppers and dissolved the capsaicin in alcohol. This
solution was then diluted with sugar water until it was no longer detectable to the human palate.
A panel of five taste testers would taste the solution and three of them had to agree before a value
was assigned. If, for example, it took 1,000 parts of water to one part of capsaicin, it was said to
have 1,000 Scoville Heat Units.

This method was useful for calculating the temperature of peppers used in many pharmaceutical
products such has heat rubs. Today, high-performance liquid chromatography is used to measure
the capsaicin content in peppers. It measures capsaicin levels in parts per million which is then
converted to Scoville Heat Units (SHU’s). The pepper scale ranges from zero Scoville Heat Units
for a bell pepper to 5,000 or so SHU’s for a jalapeno, to a whopping 200,000 to 300,000 SHU’s
for a habanero. Pure capsaicin is 15,000,000 SHU’s.