The moderator of this echo has requested that I occasionally re-post this
information on OC (pepper) spray in order to educate and generate
discussion/questions on this valuable, non-lethal defense option.
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A majority of the law enforcement agencies in the US have switched from
using Mace (aka CN or Chloracetaphenone) to OC (oleoresin capsicum) a
derivative of the oils from the placenta of the hottest cayenne peppers.
My personal experience is coming from several years as a defensive
chemical weapons trainer and member of the American Society of Law
Enforcement Trainers. During my own training I have been sprayed with OC
and know its effects quite personally.
CN (manufactured under the trade name Mace, Curb, Phaser) is an irritant
and tearing agent (lacriminator). It takes from 3 to 10 seconds to take
effect and is the weakest of the spray chemicals.  It works on both the
mucous membranes and the surface of the skin, the primary result of
which is to produce pain. It causes a sharp burning sensation that lasts
30 minutes to an hour.  If the assailant is numb to pain due to drugs,
alcohol, adrenaline or a psychotic episode, they will more than likely
NOT FEEL THE PAIN.  The CN will not have the desired effect of repelling
the attack and allowing the escape of the defender.  CN may be highly
toxic to some individuals and may take as long as 3 to 4 day to
dissipate from an area (car interior, indoors, etc).
OC is not an irritant like CN, CS "tear gasses".  Oleoresin capsicum is
an inflammatory agent.  On contact with mucous membranes (eyes, nose,
throat, lungs), OC will cause immediate dilation of the capillaries of
the eyes resulting in temporary blindness (eyes will involuntarily slam
shut, tear and be photophobic), and instant inflammation of the
breathing tube tissues, cutting off all but life support breathing.
Coughing, gasping and a heavy discharge of mucus from all membranes and
a disorientation to the assailant's surroundings results.  The surface
of the skin also experiences a severe burning.  Because it is an
inflammatory rather than an irritant, OC is effective against those who,
for whatever reason, are feeling no pain.  OC effects last from 45
minutes to over an hour, when using the good quality 2 million SHU
products.  It is organic and will naturally dissipate from an inclosed
area in about 25 minutes, with some airing out.
From experience, OC that discharged in a stream (like a squirt gun) is
the least effective because the defender must be able to aim that
stream exactly into the assailants eyes, nose, mouth.  Also the
assailant can more easily protect themselves by turning their head or
covering their face with their arms.  Most people's aims, while under an
attack, are less than are necessary to deploy the chemical properly.
The most effective form of OC dispersal is from a 4oz canister using a
fogger type nozzle.  This fog will discharge to about 15 ft., enveloping
the attacker's face and head, which almost ensures that the atomized
droplets of OC will get into the eyes, get on the skin of the face, and
be inhaled into the nose and lungs where it will be most effective. Even
if the assailant is covering their face or trying to hold their breath,
by using short bursts, the defender will get the desired repellant
effect.
BTW, chemical defensive weapons are not meant to "knock down" the
attacker.  For law enforcement they enable control of the subject.  For
civilians, they are intended create a window of opportunity to get away
from the attacker, get out of the situation and get to safety.  It is
not simply a matter of "spray and walk away".
Even though it is not a lethal weapon, it is still a weapon nonetheless.
There are techniques to learn that will increase the success of using a
chemical defensive spray to repel an attack, just as there are with
using a handgun. I would recommend that persons who are interested in
this form of defensive weapon seek out a defense school in their area
for a little defensive OC spray training.
Thanks for letting me bend your ear. 8^)
Take care & stay safe!
David
 * QMPro 1.53 * Gun Safety is NO Accident!
--- WILDMAIL!/WC v4.12 
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