What is Pepper Spray

Pepper Spray is a pepper derivative called oleorsein capiscum.

Oleoresin capsicum is the oily extract of the cayenne pepper plant. Exposure to OC irritates the skin, eyes, and mucous membranes of the upper respiratory tract. These properties of the pepper plant have been known for centuries. In Japan, samurai warriors threw rice-paper bags filled with pepper extracts at the eyes of their enemies to cause temporary blindness. Chinese soldiers heated red peppers in hot oil to form an irritant smoke to be blown over enemy lines.

In 1973, OC became available as an aerosol spray and was initially used by FBI personnel and U.S. mail carriers to incapacitate humans and animals on a temporary basis. During the late 1980s, it was widely adopted by law enforcement agencies nationwide and was made available for use by the general public. Currently, hand-held canister spray models are produced and used in this country. These models produce an aerosol, liquid stream, or foam spray, with OC concentrations ranging from 1 to 10 percent. Pepper sprays are generally regarded as immediately effective, safer, and less toxic than other classic forms of tear gas or mace, such as chloroacetophenone (CN) or o-chlorobenzyildene malononitrile (CS).

This information was made available from the U.S. Department of justice.

View some of our popular Pepper Sprays:
17% Streetwise Pepper Spray - Pen
17% Streetwise Pepper Spray 1/2 oz. w/ Key Ring Pouch
17% Streetwise Pepper Spray 3 oz. w/ Fire Master Top
17% Streetwise Pepper Spray 4 oz. Unit w/ Twist Top
Pepper Pager

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