| Introduction | | | | with reasonable care. They all have safety caps). |
| Pepper spray is made from the essence of the chili | | | | Perhaps you used the product in the dark on an |
| pepper. It is diluted with water to a specific | | | | approaching stranger who turned out to be your |
| percentage (usually 5% to 15%) and mixed primarily | | | | Uncle Mike ready to ask for a lift. Perhaps you used |
| with propellants and UV dye (for police protection). | | | | the product on a windy day and enough blew back |
| Some products are mixed with tear gas (Mace Triple | | | | on you to cause distress. Perhaps people are just |
| Action) for purported extra effectiveness. Products | | | | curious. "Antidote for pepper spray" remains one of |
| have specific spray patterns and forms. These are all | | | | the most popular internet searches. |
| effective and are not critical in the decision process. | | | | There is no quick antidote for pepper spray. But |
| A sprayer expels its contents in short bursts. Buy at | | | | there are things you can do to minimize the effects. |
| least a 2 oz product to have 8-10 shots. Expect the | | | | The most effective solution is a combination of milk, |
| stream to reach 8-12 feet. | | | | honey, a mild detergent and a little baking soda; it will |
| Effects | | | | soothe the area and remove the chemical somewhat |
| O.C. (the active ingredient in pepper spray) is an | | | | - however, only a tiny amount is required to continue |
| inflammatory agent that causes distress to the | | | | burning. The victim should be encouraged to blink to |
| mucous membranes. That's why it's important to aim | | | | tear away the irritant. Tearless baby shampoo |
| the spray at the face and eyes of a would-be | | | | sometimes works to cut the oily resin from your |
| attacker. The eyes will shut as they tear and sting, | | | | face and hair. Wash your hands several times with |
| he will gasp for breath and cough. The effects last | | | | soap and water and wash your clothes separately |
| 20-40 minutes certainly enough time to flea the | | | | from other items. Don't use oily lotions and do wash |
| scene or call the police. | | | | the area repeatedly with cold water. If you are |
| How safe is pepper spray? With a reasonable dosage | | | | inside, go outside in the fresh air. |
| in a healthy individual with no respiratory illnesses we | | | | Conclusion |
| can say pepper spray is safe. Recovery time is quick | | | | Pepper spray is the preferred agent used by police |
| with no lasting effects other than perhaps a mild | | | | to control unruly crowds or uncooperative suspects. |
| headache. | | | | It is the ideal device for women to carry in the purse |
| Antidote | | | | and car. You never know. It's better to have it and |
| Why an antidote? Perhaps you have inadvertently | | | | not need it than to need it and not have it. |
| sprayed yourself while handling the device (unlikely | | | | |