Differences in Pepper Spray

Pepper spray is a regulated product that must follow specific criteria to be manufactured and sold. This is why there are few differences in pepper spray as a product. Some may be stronger than others because of a more advanced refinement process, but all pepper sprays are made from oleoresin capsicum (OC), orthochlorobenzalmalonitrile (CS), alpha-Chloroacetaphenone (CN) or a combination of two or more of these. There also are four types of delivery systems for pepper spray.

Orthochlorobenzalmalonitrile (CS) and Alpha Chloroacetaphenone (CN)

• Products created with these two components often are called tear gas. CS and CN are chemicals that irritate the various eye membranes. This can cause tearing and burning. Most self-defense proponents do not recommend these products simply because they can take five to 30 seconds to act, and often won't work on people who are under the influence of drugs, in the throws of a psychotic episode or otherwise cannot feel pain.

Oleoresin Capsicum (OC)

• peppers

  Unlike CS and CN, OC is not an irritant. It is an inflammatory agent. This component, which is made from the oily resin of cayenne and other peppers, has an immediate effect when sprayed into an assailant's eyes. Products made with OC will cause the eyes to instantly close, resulting in temporary blindness. It will even work on those who are on drugs, psychotic or cannot feel pain. Pepper spray made with OC is the preferred product of police departments and self-defense instructors.

Forced-Cone Spray

• A forced-cone spray is the most common form of pepper spray delivery. As the name suggests, the spray is released by pressurized force in a conical formation. It creates a fine mist that immediately penetrates the assailant's membranes. A forced-cone spray also is fine enough to be inhaled, causing temporary loss of breath and coughing. With a 10-to-12-foot range and width of about 2 feet, you do not have to be close to an attacker to use it effectively. Be aware that because of the the delivery system's fine mist, blowback is a potential hazard.

Stream or Broken Stream

• The stream, or broken stream, system is a continuous stream of pepper spray that packs the biggest punch out of all the available delivery systems. This system is just like a spray bottle set on "stream." It has a long range that is effective for multiple attackers. The chance of blowback also greatly diminish because of the spray's heavier line. The downside is that the pepper spray will run out much faster than other systems because of the amount of spray used each time.

Foam

• The newest pepper spray product is foam. The range is not as far as the other systems but it nearly eliminates the chance of blowback. Another advantage of foam is that it piles up instead of running off, making it almost impossible to remove entirely without assistance. Thus, the side effects only become more pronounced as the attacker tries to wipe it away the foam.

Foggers

• Foggers deliver an even finer spray than forced-cone products. The potential for blowback is at its highest with this system, but it is the most effective on bears because the spray easy to inhale. Bears and other predators do not have as much exposed skin to be irritated by pepper spray, so it's important that delivery to the eyes and nasal passages be immediate and efficient. Foggers are the best way to assure this.