Page 8 - Intro to OC Pepper Spray

The Pepper in Pepper Spray
The majority of pepper sprays used by law enforcement and for personal use
contain Oleoresin Capsicum (OC) as its active ingredient. This chemical compound
is what causes the pain, tearing, and temporary blindness experienced when the
spray comes in contact with the eyes. When determining whether a defense spray is
flammable, the active ingredient (OC or Tear Gas), is not an important
consideration.

The OC Spray Mix (Carrier)
Some pepper sprays do use a flammable mix, like alcohol, to create a substance or
formulation which can be sprayed from the container. Fortunately, many sprays sold
today use water or oil instead of flammable alcohol and are completely safe when
used in conjunction with anything that might produce a spark - like a Taser.

The Flammability of Propellants
Propellants are used to project the spray from its container so that you don't have to
stand right next to your attacker when your spray is being used. The propellants
allow you to protect yourself from a distance which is one of the reasons why
defense sprays are so practical. Although most companies now use inert gases as
propellants, some pepper sprays do continue to use Butane or Isobutene as the
propellant which is flammable. The best way to avoid products containing Butane
are to read the packaging before purchasing, or to go to a trusted defensive spray
company.

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