What Is MACE Spray?
MACE is a brand name. Don't get Mace confused with Pepper Spray. MACE™ is a registered trade name for the brand of
defense sprays manufactured by MACE™ Security
International. A Mace brand defense spray either
contains OC pepper, tear gas or both. Therefore, Mace
PepperGard® Pepper Spray, Mace Pepper Foam, Mace
Triple Action, Mace Muzzle® and Mace Double
Action® are Mace™ products containing pepper
spray, tear gas or both.
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What Is Pepper Spray?
Pepper spray (also known as OC spray (from
"Oleoresin Capsicum"), OC gas, or capsicum
spray) is a lachrymatory agent (a chemical compound that
irritates the eyes to cause tears, pain, and even
temporary blindness) that is used in riot control,
crowd control and personal self-defense, including
defense against dogs and bears. It is a non-lethal
agent that can be deadly in rare cases. The American
Civil Liberties Union claims to have documented
fourteen fatalities from the use of pepper spray.
The active ingredient in pepper spray is capsaicin,
which is a chemical derived from the fruit of plants
in the Capsicum genus, including chillis. Long-term
effects of pepper spray have not been effectively
researched.
The HPLC (High Pressure Liquid Chromatography)
method is used to measure the amount of capsaicin
within pepper sprays. Scoville Heat Unit (SHU)
testing is also used to measure the hotness of
pepper spray, but this is a subjective test, which
changes from person to person and does not measure
the actual chemical percentage within the product.
A synthetic counterpart of pepper spray, pelargonic
acid morpholide, was developed and is widely used
in Russia. Its effectiveness compared to natural
pepper spray is unclear and it has caused some
injuries.
Pepper Spray typically comes in canisters, which
are often small enough to be carried or concealed
in a pocket or purse. Pepper spray can also be
bought concealed in items such as rings.
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What Is Pepper
Spray Made Of?
Pepper Spray is a derivative of Cayenne pepper.
The oils are extracted from the pepper using a
high-pressure process. This process leaves you
with the active ingredient in pepper spray known
as OC or OleoResin Capsicum. The pure pepper extract
is then diluted with an inert ingredient that reduces
the SHU or Scoville Heat Unit to get it down to
a useable SHU for pepper spray. SHU is a unit of
measurement that determines how hot something is.
The rating goes from 1 million SHU up to 5 million
SHU. 1 million SHU is detectable on the palette
in concentrations as little as 1 part per million
or 1 drop of OC in 1 million drops of water. All
of our sprays are 2 million SHU and in much higher
concentrations than 1 part per million.
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What Does SHU Mean?
Scoville heat unit (SHU) is a term used to measure
the 'hotness' of pepper spray. For example, one
pepper spray might be 500,000 SHU while another
is 1,000,000 SHU, which means the pepper spray
is twice as hot.
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What Are The
Effects Of Pepper Spray?
Pepper Spray is an inflammatory agent, not an
irritant like MACE. It causes immediate
closing of the eyes and coughing. The length of
the effects of pepper spray depend on the strength
of the spray but the average full effect lasts
around thirty to forty-five minutes, with mitigated
effects lasting for hours.
The Journal of Investigative Ophthalmology and
Visual Science published a study that concluded
that single exposure of the eye to OC is harmless,
but repeated exposure can result in long-lasting
changes in corneal sensitivity. They found no lasting
decrease in visual acuity.
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How Do Defense Sprays
Work?
Pepper Spray Unlike Mace or tear gas, which
are irritants; pepper spray OC is an inflammatory
agent. Contact with mucous membranes (eyes, nose,
throat and lungs) causes immediate dilation of
the capillaries. This can result in temporary blindness
and instant inflammation of the breathing tube
tissues and systematically cuts of all but life
support breathing. OC also will create an intense
burning sensation on the surface of the skin. However,
OC will cause no lasting after effects. The effects
last from 15 to 60 minutes. Because OC is an
inflammatory
agent and not an irritant it is effective on those
who feel no pain such as psychotics and those under
the influence of drugs or alcohol.
Tear Gas Causes coughing, irritation and watery
eyes. Mace Triple Action® is a blend of OC
pepper, CN tear gas and UV dye. This formula combines
the benefits of tear gas with the "burning"
effect
of pepper to disorient an attacker. The spray should
be aimed at the face of an attacker.
Pepper Foam is a 10% OC pepper formulation with
UV dye that sprays thick foam. The foam acts to
"blindfold" and
disorient an attacker and cause the same
"burning" and
closing of the eyes as traditional liquid pepper
sprays. The spray should be aimed at the face of
an attacker.
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How Effective Is A
Defense Spray?
Pepper spray is effective in most situations,
but not all. If somebody is under the influence
of drugs or alcohol or has special training, (i.e.
military or martial arts training) he may not be
as effected as others.
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How Do I Use My Pepper Spray?
If you have to use your pepper spray make sure
you have distance between you and the threat if
at all possible. Aim the spray at the eyes and
facial region of the threat then release a 1 to
2 second burst of spray. After you have done this
MOVE out of the way but keep your eyes on the threat.
Pepper spray can take a couple of moments to cause
a reaction and by watching the reactions of the
threat you will be able to determine if you will
require another shot of pepper spray. Boxers have
a saying "Stick and Move" well the same
applies here. Just remember "Spray and Move",
"Spray
and Move". Once the threat is eliminated seek
help and call the police. You may also wish to
get a Tactical Use of Defense Spray Manual. It
is loaded with useful tips on using defense sprays.
Forced Cone: This is a variation on the popular
cone type and is the best in most situations. It
is a fine mist that comes out in a forceful spray
pattern usually at distances from 8 to 12 feet.
In the latest generation of dispensing actuators,
the mist is made up of super-fine droplets of pepper
solution. These droplets help to minimize blowback
of pepper formula on you while the mist (looks
like a heavy fog) penetrates the attacker's skin
pores and mucous membranes for an experience they
will not soon forget! This pattern actually spreads
out to a width of approximately 2 feet at its maximum
distance. This pattern covers the whole face and
is absorbed into the mucus membrane with hot pepper
causing the eyes to seal with tears, nose to run,
excessive coughing, shortness of breath, etc.
Broken Stream/Heavy Stream: This type is
a variation on the widely distributed stream type.
Very effective at hitting multiple attackers, hitting
them in the dark, in tight areas, e.g., through
your partially opened car window, and helps with
aim. The solid stream (similar to the water guns
sold today) will blast an attacker with super-hot
pepper! Through a partially opened car window you
have minimum misting action that can contaminate
you. If you miss, or the attacker was in a hard-
to-reach area, you can "fan" this spray
during discharge. Fanning is a technique for hitting
your mark. You spray the stream then move your
dispersions path from side to side until yon hit
your mark! The stream also provides the heaviest
blast of pepper (cans will empty faster). The pepper
works instantly. Causes the eyes to seal with tears,
nose to run, excessive coughing, shortness of breath,
etc.
Fogger: This type of spray pattern is great for
multiple attackers, crowd control, bears and home
use. One disadvantage is there can be some blowback
of pepper contaminating you, especially if used
outdoors. However, the blast you would receive
and the direct blast the attacker receives are
quite different. Where you would tear and cough
on a good-sized blowback, the attacker would be
rendered incapacitated for about 30 minutes. You
pull the trigger or release button, and "fan"
your
path back and forth hitting everything in its path.
Picture a mini fire extinguisher! The pepper works
instantly. Causes the eyes to seal with tears,
nose to run, excessive coughing, shortness of breath,
etc.
Foam: This type is excellent for blowback protection
and immediate saturation. EXAMPLE: If it is windy,
you can spray this with minimum to no pepper blowback
contaminating you. A common misconception is that
the attacker, once sprayed with the foam, can just
wipe it away and continue to attack. This Pepper
Foam is like thick, sticky shaving cream but with
one addition, 5.3 million Scoville Heat Units of
blistering hot pepper. He will try to wipe it off
but it will be to late. The pepper works instantly.
Causes the eyes to seal with tears, nose to run,
excessive coughing, shortness of breath, etc.
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How Is Pepper Spray
Deactivated?
Though there is no way of completely neutralizing
pepper spray, its effect can be minimized or stopped.
As veteran chili-eaters know, capsicum is not soluble
in water, and even large volumes of it will have
little to no effect. It is, however, soluble in
fats and oils, and detergents can be used to wash
it off.
Victims should be encouraged to blink vigorously
in order to encourage tears, which will help flush
the irritant from the eyes. Some of the oil can
be washed off the face using a degreasing, non-oily
soap such as a mild dish detergent, and a fan will
provide some relief.
Some "triple-action" pepper sprays also
contain "tear gas" (CS gas), which can
be neutralized with sodium metabisulfite (Campden
tablets, used in home brewing), though it, too,
is fat-soluble and could be washed off to a degree
with milk, and some contain a UV "blanketing"
dye (little can be done against this, but its effects
are not nearly as dramatic).
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Is MACE Pepper Spray
Legal?
Restrictions on Pepper Spray in the United States of America
differ between states.
It is legal in all 50 states, however a number
of cities and states have restrictions on sizes,
strengths, etc. If you have a question, it is wise
to contact your local police department. Defense
sprays should only be purchased by those 18 years
of age or older.
Wisconsin - 10% Pepper spray without UV dye is
allowed.
Michigan - 2% Pepper spray allowed. Can be combined
with tear gas formulation.
New York - Defense sprays only available through
licensed firearm dealer or pharmacist.
Massachusetts - Possessor must have a Firearms
Identification Card (FID).
NOTE: Certain other restrictions may exist in
your jurisdiction. The above list is not entirely
exhaustive, but it does represent the kind of
restrictions
that exist. If in question, check local laws.
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Is It Legal For Me
To Buy A Defense Spray?
Since laws change frequently, it is important
that you check your local laws to ensure the product
you purchase is legal in your community. We
will not sell defensive sprays to anyone under
the age of 18. We cannot sell or ship a defensive
spray (including pepper spray or tear gas) to New
York, Massachusetts, or Wisconsin. Michigan
has restrictions on the type of defense spray that
is legal. If you are a Michigan resident, check
out our Michigan approved pepper sprays in the
pepper spray section of our
store.
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Is There Anyplace
Where I Cannot Carry My Pepper Spray?
Yes. You cannot carry pepper spray on board commercial
aircraft. This is a Federal crime that can carry
up to a $25,000 dollar fine. VERY IMPORTANT! Some
airlines have restricted the presence of pepper
spray entirely. Check with your airline.
As a result of 9/11/01 you may have issues when
carrying pepper spray into secured locations such
as a Federal buildings, State buildings or anyplace
where you pass through a security checkpoint. Although
there are no laws that we are aware of you should
use your common sense here and check with
localities.
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When Should I Use
My Pepper Spray?
Although no defense item is 100% effective in
every situation you will need to assess the situation
as it happens. You should ONLY use pepper spray
if you are threatened or your life is in danger.
Please note that it IS a crime to use pepper spray
to commit malicious acts.
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What Temperatures
Are Safe For My Pepper Spray?
Excessive heat or cold may cause the can to leak
or burst. Therefore, do not leave your pepper spray
in any area that may exceed 125 degrees F or drop
below -15 degrees F.
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Will My Pepper Spray
Expire?
Yes. That is why we print an expiration date on
every can of pepper spray. (except for the fox
sprays, which expire 2 years from the date of
purchase.)
Usually all other sprays expiration date is 3 to
4 years from the date of purchase. Although the
spray life is indefinite it does start to lose
potency over time. Any use of the spray beyond
the expiration date is HIGHLY unadvisable. We strongly
advise you to replace your pepper spray every year!
That way you are always assured of the potency
of the spray.
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How Can I Be Assured
My Pepper Spray Will Work When I Need
It?
You should get in the habit of testing your defense
spray every 90 days. To do this first go outside
and determine which direction the wind is blowing.
Remember to always stand upwind from the direction
you are spraying. Depress the firing mechanism
for 1⁄2 second. This test should be performed
upon purchase and every 90 days after that. Be
aware that every time you test your spray you reduce
the contents of the canister. If you are using
a key chain model and you test regularly you will
need to replace the unit every 9 to 12 months if
you follow the recommended testing procedure above.
See the reference chart on the back of the packaging
for additional information.
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Do You Have Any
Pepper Sprays That Can Be Used To Identify Any Burglars
Who Might Steal From Your Home?
MACE and the other brands of pepper spray with
the UV dye ingredient - The UV dye can only be
viewed under a UV light. However, the pepper spray
formulation itself has a very bright red color
that even when mixed with other agents, will show
up as at least a bright orange visible without
a UV light.
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Is It Legal For Me
To Buy A Stun Gun Or TASER?
Again, since laws change frequently, it is important
that you check your local laws to ensure the product
you purchase is legal in your community. We
will not sell stunning devices to anyone under
the age of 18. We cannot sell or ship stunning
devices (stun gun or TASER) to New York, New
Jersey, Massachusetts, Wisconsin, Michigan, Hawaii,
or Rhode Island.
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Is A Stun Gun Safe
To Use?
Both medical and scientific communities have
determined that the stun gun is completely safe because
they cause no permanent damage to the attacker. In
fact, they have no effect on involuntary muscles such
as the heart and lungs. The Stun Gun will not
permanently harm someone with a pacemaker.
Always carry self defense products such as Mace, pepper spray, a stun gun, personal alarms or a TASER.
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