In today's world of violence and crime, it is always best to have one's self defense strengthened than depending on other's assistance. There are increasing numbers of hijackers, murderers, kidnappers and sex offenders in our society today. We all remain vulnerable to the hostile or criminal acts of these people whether we are at home or out in shopping or traveling. This is especially applicable for women and children, who by default, are more sensitive to criminal acts and remain as more favorable targets. For physical protection many would suggest carrying a gun. But it is neither safe nor convenient to acquire and use a gun against a person who attempts to threat your personal security. Most of us do not feel comfortable with the word ?gun? itself. Well, taking all these into consideration, personal protection or self defense products came into being. Frequently in TV ads and commercials we come across Pepper Sprays, Mace Sprays, Stun Gun, Alarms, Dog Repeller, Blow Guns etc. All these fall into Self defense products. One applied on attackers, these products do not kill him. It temporarily disables him allowing the victim to escape or call for help.



Pepper sprays are also called OC (oleoresin capsicum) spray, Capsicum spray and OC gas. It is a lachrymatory agent and is made of hot peppers and chemicals. The spray may be in liquid, mist or gel form. When applied, pepper sprays cause swelling of capillaries. The attacker shuts his eyes and is forced to keeps them shut for quite some time. Breathing too becomes very difficult for him. Pepper sprays come in different forms apparently harmless looking. Popular models include keychain, pagers, lipsticks etc.

Mace on the other hand is an irritant that resembles tear gas. While pepper sprays when applied are most likely to incapacitate a person, maces may not have any effect on drug addicts or person under alcoholic influence.

Please note that ?Mace? is also a pepper spray brand.

A stun gun or an electroshock weapon is an electrical device or weapon that discharges very high voltage of static electricity and causes an attacker to capitulate or become immobile temporarily. Since the electricity is usually of low amperage, no permanent damage is caused on the person who is touched by the prongs of the device. Stun guns may emit electricity as high as 100,000 volts! A stun gun causes quick muscular expansion and contraction that reduces the blood sugar thus making a person motionless. It is very useful on a suspicious or potential attacker and allows sufficient time for the victim or would be victim. Stun guns also come in different forms. They can be in the form of a cigarette lighter, flashlight, pen or even a cell phone.

Tasers too are electroshock weapon that cause Neuromuscular Incapacitation. Having almost similar functioning, tasers differ from stun guns. A taser is more effective in incapacitating a person than ordinary stun guns. It emits electricity with similar or even lower voltage but with much higher wattage. Tasers are effective from a distance away from the target while stun guns need contact. A taser is bigger in size and more costly than stun guns. Tests show that a taser can penetrate two inches of clothing and have almost 100% effect while stun guns may not always be so much effective against a person/attacker. Tasers are normally used by law enforcing personnel.

Personal or self defense products like pepper sprays, maces, tasers and stun guns can provide you instant protection from suspected attackers. They however does not guarantee absolute protection from a determined offender. It is said that your best personal protection is your brain. Using your brain i.e. common sense and intuition, you may remain even safer than the protection a self defense product may provide.