Pepper Spray - What Will it do to an Attacker
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If you want to get, carry and maybe use pepper spray, you should know exactly what it will do to a person you spray. Learn what it will do, how long before it starts to work and how long it will last. Also read what happened to a policeman who volunteered to be sprayed in the face with pepper spray.
What will pepper spray do
When pepper spray is sprayed into someone's eyes and face, it irritates the skin, eyes, and mucous membranes of the upper respiratory tract (throat). Coughing and choking may be experienced. It is very uncomfortable and there is some pain associated with it.
The end result is temporary incapacitation, mostly due to not being able to see. It has people too preoccupied with the blinding and painful experience to even attempt to do anything violent to you.
Body size and weight, asthma, smoking, respiratory inhaler medication use, make little or no difference to its effectiveness. There may be a small increase in blood pressure, heart rate, and the spray may actually increase ventilation slightly (not decrease it, as you may have heard).
Imagine a really bad case of facial sunburn, a burning sensation in the back of your mouth, and VERY hot and sore eyes and you will have a pretty good idea as to what it does.
When will it start to work and how long will it last
When will pepper spray start to work? The short answer is seconds rather than minutes.
There are some variables that will speed and slow the reaction time: Whether you are inside or out, wind speed and direction, if it was a direct hit to the face. Other variables include the distance the spray must travel, and whether the receiver had his eyes open or closed when the spray hit.
But wait, there's more!
The type of chilies used when extracting the capsicum. What percentage of capsicum is in the spray can, how much is used and what Scoville Heat Units rating it has, can, and will, make a difference to the length of time it will take before the spray takes effect.
As a very general rule, expect it to be about one quarter effective, instantly. Over the next few seconds, the receiver will experience a peak in its intensity.
The good pepper sprays on the market will start to wear off after 10 to 15 minutes. They are the 2 to 5 percent capsicum sprays. Pepper spray with 15 percent capsicum may last up to 30 to 45 minutes. The effects of the 2% sprays don't last as long because the oil is thinner. There is no need for the effects to last more than 15 minutes.
The police actually find it to be a problem, because they have to baby sit the receiver while the effects are present. You will find that it is for this reason that the police use the lower percentage pepper sprays.
Police story
About 4 years ago, I watched a documentary about a policeman who volunteered to be sprayed in the face with pepper spray. He did it as a test to see how well it would work. When he was sprayed, he just stood there for a good two seconds.
Then started to close and open his eyes, started rubbing his eyes, stopped then turned and took about 3 or 4 staggering steps and sat down on the ground. He started making "Ah" noises.
By now, he couldn't see, and seemed to be experiencing medium level pain and discomfort. Some people came to his assistance.
The documentary went on with some interviews with experts, and would often cut back to him. He was not a happy camper. He kept trying to move around. He would stand up, take a few steps, turn, say "Ah" and sit down again. Every time the camera cut to him, he was in another position and trying all kinds of things to ease the effects. Bottles of water, a bucket of water, a towel, and more.
After 40 minutes (the time kept flashing up on the screen), it was possible to communicate with him again. He said that it was the worst thing he had ever experienced and would not want to go through it again. He also said that before it started to work, he could have easily hurt the sprayer.
In my opinion, he considered himself to be a big tough cop (he looked the part).
Conclusion
A hit in the face with pepper spray will give a feeling of really bad facial sunburn, a burning sensation in the back of your mouth, and VERY hot and sore eyes.
The spray will be about one quarter effective, instantly, and then build. It will last 10 to 45 minutes depending on the capsicum content. You may get attacked while the spray is taking affect, so be ready for it.
If you would like more information on pepper spray, the "National Institute of Justice" has a detailed report called:
Pepper Spray's Effects on a Suspect's Ability to Breathe
http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/nij/pubs-sum/188069.htm
If you would like to buy pepper spray, or just see what it looks like, the following links will take you to some big, clear, fast loading photos, and buying options:
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