Today’s society has grown and advanced in so many ways. However, it’s unfortunate that assault against women is still rampant in modern society. For this reason, pepper spray for women has become a very popular form of self-defense. Cases of women being assaulted rise every day and it’s critical to be proactive and protect yourself beforehand.
The thought of assault can be quite terrifying. This feeling can be heightened by the fear of life, theft of wearables and belongings, or general insecurity. Over the years, manufacturers have come up with several self-defense weapons that women can use to protect themselves against any attackers.
Pepper spray, due to its effectiveness and ease of use, is the most common self-defense weapon that women choose to carry around.
What Is Pepper Spray?
Pepper spray also known as OC spray is a popular self-defense tool used by women to deter attacks from assailants. It’s non-lethal and causes coughing, irritation to the nose, eyes, and mouth, temporary blindness, and burning of the skin. Women use pepper spray for defense as it gives them a chance to stop an assailant in their tracks and allows them to escape to safety.
The main component of pepper spray is Oleoresin Capsicum. This is the same component found in chilis. It accounts for the heat level of pepper spray. The higher the heat level of pepper spray, the more the severity of pepper spray.
It’s common to see a woman using pepper spray in movies. The effects cause the attacker’s skin to turn red and irritate their eyes in a way they can no longer see. The impact of pepper spray causes severe distress, pain, and discomfort. However, these effects are temporary and only last for a maximum of 45 minutes.
The Effects of Pepper Spray
Capsaicin, which is the main component in both pepper spray and chilis, is the cause for the hot effect of both of these items. When pepper spray comes in contact with your tongue or lips, you feel the heat. Heat levels are measured by Scoville Heat Units (SHU). Most pepper sprays range from 500,000 SHU to 5,000,000 SHU. The effects of pepper spray depend on the heat level of a certain pepper spray. It also depends on the area sprayed and the amount used.
The first sensation you get when pepper spray comes in contact with your face and eyes is burning. Your skin, nose, and throat also begin to burn. Soon after, your eyes begin to close and you experience temporary blindness. This blindness can last anywhere between 15 to 30 minutes.
Pepper spray also causes difficulty in breathing and choking. This effect is more sincere for people who have underlying respiratory ailments such as asthma. Pepper spray for woman is only effective if it stops an attacker temporarily giving her a chance to escape, find help, or seek safety.
Choosing the Right Pepper Spray
Carrying and using pepper spray is not as simple as it may sound. It’s not just buying it and carrying it in your purse in case of any attack. You must understand that there are different types and brands of pepper spray. Choosing one mainly depends on what you need your pepper spray to do for you.
Once you’ve discovered all the types of pepper sprays, you then need to learn how to use it. A pepper spray with a handle is one of the most convenient types for a woman. This is because of its ease to hold and use. You have better grip and control of pepper spray if it has a handle.
There are two main types of pepper spray namely steam and fog. The steam pepper spray is most suitable for outdoor use since it sprays shots of concentrated steam in a straight line. Fog spray disperses its contents in a cloud-like pattern. It’s therefore more suitable for indoors.
Benefits of Carrying Pepper Spray
There are several reasons why pepper spray for women’s safety is important. These benefits are what makes it women’s first choice when it comes to self-defense. A single spray from a pepper spray canister is capable of deterring more than one attacker at once. Therefore, you can use it on multiple people.
Due to the new innovations of pepper sprays, you can now use it to a distance of about 20 feet. This allows you to protect yourself and use your pepper spray from afar. Pepper sprays are also a more economical option for most women as compared to other self-defense weapons. You can also find them easily at your local store.
Women want something that is easy to carry and one that doesn’t feel like a burden. Pepper sprays come in pocket-sizes making them easy to fit in your purse or under your sleeve in case of any potential danger.
Conclusion
In today’s society, advancements in technology have led to growth and change. However, one issue that hasn’t changed is the constant assault cases on women. A woman is in danger of attacks from time to time. It can be while walking in the street, while shopping, or even indoors. As a woman it’s important to take all possible measures to ensure that you are safe wherever you are.
One of the most common self-defense weapons is pepper spray. This is a product used by women against assailants and aggressive animals. You can also use them to protect your pets. The effects of pepper spray with safety include temporary blindness, choking, and irritation of the eyes, nose, and mouth. These effects deter your attacker and stop them in their tracks giving you a chance to escape or call for help.
Pepper sprays are easy to use, pocket size, and easily accessible luckily. This makes them very convenient for women to purchase and carry around with ease. Before buying pepper spray ensure you know all the types available in the market as well as how to use them. This gives you a chance to decide which one is most suitable for you and your needs.
Written by: Georgina Njoki
Freelance Copywriter and Travel Enthusiast.
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