It's not your typical condiment, when used in self-defense.

As a self-defense product, pepper spray has been on the market for many years. Its origins date back centuries, though. Back then, people used ground up pepper of their own to affect the eyesight of their enemies.

In ancient China, they placed ground cayenne in rice paper. They then tossed it into the eyes of their enemies. This proved a valuable hindrance to attack, from a supply that was readily available.

Pepper spray is also known as OC (Oleoresin Capsicum) spray. The working ingredient in it is capsaicin. This ingredient in pepper spray contributes to the pain and burning experienced by those who receive a blast.
Pepper spray is not a banned product within national borders in some countries. Some countries allow for personal possession. Others allow for only law enforcement and others with special permits or licenses to possess it. Some allow citizens to carry it for self-defense against animals. On the international front, though, pepper spray does not enjoy this privilege. Stipulations from the Chemical Weapons Convention of 1997 forbid its use.

What makes pepper spray a reliable self-defense product is its portability. It is easy to transport around in a pocket, purse, bag or glove compartment. It is easily concealed and available at a moments notice to prevent an attacker from achieving his goal. Pepper spray can be stored in a small ring, necklace charm, or other personal accessory. When you think of it, Maxwell Smart was smart after all.

As a self-defense option, pepper spray minimizes the chance for fatalities. A person who deters an attacker with pepper spray achieves their goal without resorting to gunplay. The goal in an attack is to prevent harm to you first. Apprehension of a suspect, while important, is secondary. Your goal in self-defense is to defend yourself, not be a hero.

The use of pepper spray also reduces the risk of injury to bystanders. Wielding a gun to subdue an attacker may subdue, fatally, someone else. Of course, there are times when extreme measures are necessary. An attack deterred with pepper spray, though, and not a gun, is a better option.

What self-defense products such as pepper sprays offer is a chance to flee to safety. The extra few seconds a self-defense product offers to get to safety is valuable. It could mean the difference between life and death.
That is why self-defense training and instruction in self-defense product usage is growing. Today, average citizens realize they are responsible for their own safety in conjunction with police. They realize police have limited resources. They also realize that criminals are constantly upping the ante in finding new ways to commit crimes. The average person wants to stay one-step ahead of them.

Surprising an attacker with pepper spray allows you time to get those extra steps to safety.
An attacker jolted with a full blast of pepper spray can expect the following:

* instant closure of their eyes
* breathing difficulties
* tingling, redness, even blistering of exposed skin
* burning of the throat
* severe eye burning, swelling of the eyes
* sneezing
* in rare cases, apnea and respiratory arrest

As with any thwarting of a violent attack, there is always the risk of injuries or fatalities. Some self-defense products are suited better to certain occasions than others are.

As long as there are criminal elements, there will be a need for self-defense products.
As a basic, less-lethal form of attacker interference, pepper spray serves its purpose well.

Stay Safe,
Steve Lane
Self Defense & Surveillance Shop
http://www.laneselfdefense.com
http://www.lanesurveillance.com