Everyday when we turn on the news, we see a lot of victims of rape, robberies, and other crimes. With the crime rate rising, it is important to have some self defense tactics and weapons at hand.

A lot of people are now buying self defense products with the hopes that they will be able to survive any form of violence that could come their way. Pepper sprays or mace in particular have been a very popular option especially for women since they are easy to use and can be carried around easily.

Pepper sprays have been used for a long time now. In fact, in ancient China, the Chinese have used it by placing ground cayenne chili in rice paper and they would throw it in the face of their enemies.

Pepper sprays have Oleoresin Capsicum which has replaced tear gas in some law enforcement areas. This is because tear gas does not work with people who are under the influence of alcohol and drugs. Oleoresin Capsicum on the other hand, works quickly as an anti inflammatory agent.

Oleoresin Capsicum works on the membranes, eyes, mouth and nose of your attacker. It can cause temporary blindness by constricting your capillaries. Then they produce coughing and choking and causes discharge from your nose and mouth. Then, the attacker will have difficulty breathing once the oleoresin capsicum hits the lungs.

Pepper sprays are not lethal but they can cause enough harm to your attacker and will give you the opportunity to escape. The effects last for about thirty minutes which can give you enough time to get to safety.

Pepper sprays can last for 2 to 4 years. So you will have to replace them every now and then. Most of them have expiration dates so you do not have to worry about forgetting. Do not purchase canisters that do not have expiration dates in them. Chances are, they are old stocks and would not work when you need them the most.

Some pepper sprays have a marking dye. This is a dye that can help law enforcements identify a criminal since the attacker cannot wash off the dye for ten days. This can help a lot in solving your case.

Pepper sprays are now endorsed and used by law enforcement agencies all over the world since it gives law enforcement officers a way to control criminals without having to confront them physically.