What's the difference between pepper spray and Mace?
Our Self DefenderTM, Security Plus® Heatwave and PepperGard® pepper sprays all contain OC (oleoresin capsicum) which is a derivative of hot cayenne peppers. When sprayed in the face, OC (pepper spray) causes the person's eyes to slam shut, creates an intense burning sensation and disorients him for several minutes.
Pepper sprays come in various concentrations such as 5%, 10% and 15% OC. The most common is 10% OC with UV (ultra-violet) dye.
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 PepperGard® , Pepper Foam®, Triple Action®, Muzzle® and Double Action® are Mace products containing either pepper spray, tear gas or both.
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 in a 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.
NOTE: All of our sprays including Self DefenderTM, Security Plus® Heatwave and Mace® brand products offer an effective means of humane and non-lethal self defense.
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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 the airlines allow pepper spray on an airplane?
Pepper sprays are not allowed in carry-on luggage or at any time in the passenger area. VERY IMPORTANT! The FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) allows one pepper spray (up to 4-ounce size) per traveler in your checked luggage only. Some airlines have restricted the presence of pepper spray entirely. Check your airlines.
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How effective is pepper 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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What do I do when my Mace pepper spray unit expires or is empty?
Like any pressurized aerosol device, over time the unit may not spray as far as expected, if at all. We recommend replacing your spray after the expired date shown on your can. Defense sprays contain chemicals and should be disposed of in accordance with all local, state and federal regulations. For information on replacement canisters, contact your distributor, or call 1-888-811-8864 for help locating a dealer.
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What does SHU mean?
Scoville heat units (SHU's) 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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Is pepper spray legal in other countries?
When dealing with overseas and shipping pepper spray, there are less restrictions on OC pepper sprays than there are on products containing tear gas. Many foreign counties have restrictions, and so it is important to determine those before travelling to foreign countries. If someone were interested in exporting (or importing) overseas, the US government requires special permits and an export license to do so. Important information for obtaining export clearance are: Department of Commerce web site www.doc.gov ; US Export Assistance Center (206) 553-5615; Department of State-Office of Defense Trade Controls (202) 663-2714; International Trade Institute (206) 527-3732.
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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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Pepper Spray, Tear Gas, Mace pepper spray and the Law
You cannot carry pepper spray on board commercial aircraft. This is a Federal crime that can carry up to a $25,000 dollar fine. It is ok to carry pepper spray in your checked baggage although it is highly advisable that you notify the ticketing agent when you check your baggage. Also since 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.
STATES WHERE PEPPER SPRAYS ARE RESTRICTED:
- New York: New York residents may only purchase defense sprays from licensed Firearms Dealers or licensed Pharmacists in that state.
- Massachusetts: Massachusetts residents may only purchase defense sprays from licensed Firearms Dealers in that state.
States Where Pepper Sprays Have Some Restrictions:
- Michigan: OC Pepper spray can be no stronger then a 2% concentrate (Different companies can sell different concentrations.) CS is the only Tear Gas accepted and can be no larger then 35 grams per can. No combination spray allowed.
- Wisconsin: Pepper only. No Tear gas, UV Dye or combination sprays. OC can be no stronger then a 10% solution. Can must be between 15-60 grams only. Must have safety feature.
When dealing with overseas and shipping defense spray, there are less restrictions on OC pepper sprays than there are on products containing tear gas. Many foreign counties have restrictions, and so it is important to determine those before travelling to foreign countries. If someone were interested in exporting (or importing) overseas, the US government requires special permits and an export license to do so. Important information for obtaining export clearance are: Department of Commerce web site www.doc.gov ; US Export Assistance Center (206) 553-5615; Department of State-Office of Defense Trade Controls (202) 663-2714; International Trade Institute (206) 527-3732.
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