Pepper Spray History
Pepper spray has an interesting history. Pepper is something that is commonly used for cooking worldwide and it is amusing that pepper is also used as a self defense agent since ages. In this article, we will discuss the history of pepper spray.
What Is Pepper Spray?
Pepper spray is one of the most important and commonly used self defense products. Besides pepper spray, tear gas and stun guns are also popular. However, pepper spray is the simplest of all. It consists of OC (Oleoresin Capsicum) that is the main agent of the spray. Oleoresin Capsicum is derived from chili pepper that causes inflammation of the skin. The effectiveness of pepper spray is judged by the quality of OC and its derivative. The SHU (scoville heat unit) is the unit used to measure the effectiveness of pepper spray. The most effective ones have 1-2 millions of SHU Rating.
Pepper spray directly affects the face of the person it is sprayed on. As soon as you spray it on the face of the assailant it causes severe burning in his/her eyes, nose and skin. The inflammation is so hard that the person cannot open his/her eyes until pepper is washed off properly. However, pepper spray only causes temporary damage and is not fatal. Probably, this is the reason why it has sustained as a self defense product since old times.
History Of Pepper Spray
Pepper is being used as a weapon of attack since ancient times. Historical evidence suggests that Chinese soldiers used ground pepper by wrapping it in rice papers and throwing on their opponent’s face. Japanese fighters also used pepper to attack the opponents. However, the first evidence of pepper spray as a product to be manufactured and marketed by some company is seen in 1960. It was launched by the name of Halt Animal Repellent. The main purpose of pepper spray in those days was to deal with animals.
In United States, pepper spray was first used by the postal department in 1980s. The postal department then used the spray as a dog repellent. During this era, pepper spray was mainly used by hunters and forest department to captivate wild animals. Gradually the law enforcement department started using the product for catching criminals.
From ancient battle fields to animal repellents and then a weapon used by law enforcement departments, pepper spray has really evolved as an effective and popular self defense product. In the present times, it is not restricted to be used by law department only but also by common people like you and me. Women prefer to use pepper spray as self defense method because it is simple and inexpensive.
Pepper spray with an old history of self defense weapon has now evolved as a commodity that is largely available in market. You will be amazed to see the number of brands, sizes and shapes that are available in order to cater everybody’s need. Pepper spray comes in shapes of key chains, pens, lipsticks, and cigarette lighters.
In the present times when the crime is an ever increasing factor, use of self defense products like pepper sprays becomes inevitable. Although the history of pepper spray dates back to ancient times, it is an ever evolving product that keeps coming in the market with interesting variations.
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