Any pepper spray has a capsaicin that will make the attacker to cough and would feel a burning sensation in the eyes & nose that will prevent him to attack you.
According to my practical experience, the effects of pepper spray are great enough to help you survive any dangerous situation as the attacker will be incapacitated for at least 2 mins, putting his 2 hands on his eyes & leaving you a great chance to run away.
When I used this pepper spray, I noticed that it can fire a stream pattern that can reach a distance of more than 15 ft, so you will not have to be close to the attacker.
Please keep reading to know all the immediate & long-term effects of pepper spray into details to be aware of this amazing self-defense tool & how to use it effectively.
Key Takeaways:
What is pepper spray And How It Works?
- Pepper spray is a non-lethal self-defense tool you can rely on to be always secure but you will need to use it with cautious to avoid any self-harm accidentally.
- It contain capsaicin and a chemical derived from hot peppers, to incapacitate any attacker.
- Pepper spray typically comes in small canisters that are equipped with a nozzle that sprays the capsaicin in a fine mist or stream toward the attacker to stop him/her, so you can survive easily.
What are the immediate effects of pepper spray?
- When you spray in the face, pepper spray causes a range of physiological effects that can disable an attacker temporarily.
- The capsaicin in the spray make the eyes, nose, and the throat get a burning sensation , then the attacker will keep his hands on his face for a few minutes because of the severe pain he would feel.
- It also causes inflammation of the mucous membranes, to the attacker would find difficulty to breathe and swallow. so that you can find a way to run away & survive easily.
- Also, The capsaicin can cause the attacker to cough uncontrollably, which can further incapacitate them.
What are the long-term effects of pepper spray exposure?
The pepper spray is an effective, non-lethal self defense tool but it cause problem on the long term for those who have been sprayed:
- The capsaicin can cause skin irritation and rashes, which can last for several hours or days but will not cause a permanent injury.
- In rare cases, pepper spray can cause respiratory problems, especially with the people who has pre-existing respiratory conditions such as asthma.
Can pepper spray cause serious injury or death?
In rare cases, Pepper Spray can cause permanent damage or death (Source):
- In some cases the attacker might suffer from respiratory diseases like asthma, pneumonia, or pulmonary fibrosis, so he would have a severe breathing difficulties or even respiratory arrest which can be life-threatening.
- In other situations, the attacker can be sprayed at a close range with a high concentration of the spray which might lead to severe eye damage or even permanent blindness.
Always make sure to use the pepper spray as a last resort for the personal security only and use it with responsibility according to the local laws.
What to do if you accidentally spray yourself with pepper spray?
There are a few things you can do to help minimize the pain level and the pepper spray effects:
- Move to fresh air: Immediately move to an area with fresh air to avoid inhaling the pepper spray.
- Blink rapidly: Blink your eyes rapidly to help flush out the pepper spray from your eyes.
- Wash your face with cold water: Rinse your face with cold water for at least 15 minutes, making sure to remove any contact lenses if you wear them.
Avoid using warm or hot water, as it can cause the capsaicin in the pepper spray to activate and further irritate your skin. - Use milk: If possible, apply milk to your eyes and skin. The fat in milk can help neutralize the capsaicin in the pepper spray.
You must visit your doctor in case you experience any difficulty breathing, chest pain, or if the symptoms persist.
Bottom Line:
The effects of pepper spray are guaranteed to save your life, no matter how big is your opponent, the attacker will not be able to open his eyes after being exposed to the pepper spray.
The amazing part is you can aim and shot from a long distance up to 17 ft like this Pepper Spray
You can read this Fox Pepper Spray review to have in-depth knowledge about how it works