One of the most effective options for self-defense, pepper sprays have quickly gained popularity in a world with constantly increasing violence - especially against women and children. Useful against both criminals and wild animals, pepper sprays should be an indispensable part of your defense against threats.

There is a large variety of pepper sprays, and many come in the form of jewelry or accessories such as key-chains and other similar items that do not seem suspicious.

Composition

Pepper sprays are made of a natural substance called "oleo-resin capsicum", which itself comes from a variety of oily resins of cayenne, chili and other similar spices and peppers. These extracts are then formulated into a gaseous form that has a wide area of effect and high precision when it is discharged in any direction.

Effects

Pepper spray is designed to irritate the eyes when it comes in contact with them. The typical reaction to contact with pepper spray results in temporary blindness, swelling, tearing up of the eyes, and swelling in the sinuses in the nasal and throat areas, which makes breathing difficult.

Due to the severe pain and burning, this is a very effective form of protection giving the victim sufficient time to escape and get help even when the assailant is significantly bigger and stronger. Pepper sprays are also widely used by campers and hikers to ward off bears and other dangerous wild animals seeing as to how effective they are. Pepper sprays are classified as legal and non-lethal weapons due to the temporary nature of its effects.

Types of Pepper Spray

There are many variations of pepper spray available. Newer pepper sprays are easier to use, have a stronger ejection of the spray, and look like part of the natural equipment that someone may carry around daily, such as pens. Many of these options allow the end-user to choose something that suits needs, and doesn't stand out as odd.

There are primarily three categories of pepper sprays:

1. Obstruction based sprays - These have a simple obstruction blocking the spray and requires that it be removed before the spray can be discharged. This is may be as simple has pushing a switch in a direction or pulling a pin out. This is fairly quick and can be done with a single hand, making this the idea choice.

2. Pepper spray with a covering - This could be a lid or a cap that covers the spray itself, similar to deodorant sprays. Since this requires the cap or lid to first be removed, it is a little more cumbersome and a slower option. However, this prevents 'accidental' sprays and is still fairly quick.

3. One-time sprays - These are extremely easy to use, and very potent. They are also much cheaper, but this is because there is much lower quantity of pepper spray in each dose. Each spray lasts only 1 or 2 uses and must be discarded or re-filled later.

In any case, it is worth remembering that the main purpose of the pepper spray is to protect one against sudden attacks from wild animals, or petty criminals. Style, design and aesthetics of the pepper spray must always be considered in the very end.