Pepper Spray and Mace
Pepper spray, which is also known as OC spray (from Oleoresin Capsicum), OC gas, capsicum spray, or oleoresin capsicum, is an inflammatory agent that causes immediate closing of the eyes, difficulty breathing, runny nose, coughing and temporary blindness. It is used in riot control, crowd control and personal self defense. Pepper Spray is a non-lethal compound that has been deadly only in rare cases, due to the instant inflamation and swelling of the tissues that control breathing. The active ingredient in pepper spray is capsaicin, which is a natural occuring chemical derived from the fruit of plants in the Capsicum genus, which includes chiles and chile peppers.
Pepper spray typically comes in canisters, which are often small enough to be carried or in a pocket, purse, or on a keychain. Pepper Spray can also be used in a projectile, which can be fired from devices such a paintball gun. This gives an advantage to law enforcement agents who have been using pepper spray for years against peaceful demonstrators, and in routine interventions. The duration of its effects depend on the strength of the spray but the average full effect lasts around thirty to forty-five minutes, with diminished effects lasting for hours.
Mace
Mace, unlike peppers spray which is an inflammatory agent, is considered to be an irritant. It is a tear gas in the form of an aerosol spray which propels a tear producing mixture of 1% CN gas in a solvent of sec-butanol, propylene glycol, cyclohexene, and dipropylene glycol methyl ether. Mace is sometimes used as a personal protection device, but this form of mace is legal in very few countries, thus its use is becoming uncommon. Because current brand-name use of the term "Mace" to refer to pepper sprays and the fact that mace is illegal in most Western countries, "Mace" and "Pepper Spray" are frequently used interchangeably.
Like pepper spray the effect that Mace has ona person varies, however in general the most common affects is a sever burning sensation on the area affected with the spray. Contact with eyes it causes automatic closing of the eyes due to the intense pain, and a feeling of suffocating if inhaled. Mace renders an attacker vulnerable and easily overpowered in their incapacitated state. These effects can be minimal on those under the influence of alcohol or drugs. The duration of the effects vary from 30 minutes up to 2 hours, depending on the person.
Pepper Sprays cannot be shipped outside the continental US, which includes Alaska, Hawaii, and US Territories.
Pepper Sprays cannot be shipped by any method other than GROUND.
Pepper Sprays, or any type of weapon, including stun devices, knives and batons, cannot be shipped outside the United States (including its territories.)
Pepper Sprays cannot be shipped to New York, Massachusetts, or Wisconsin
