What is the scoville of pepper spray?

Pepper spray, oleoresin capsicum spray, OC spray, capsaicin spray, or capsicum spray is an inflammatory agent (a compound that irritates the eyes to cause a burning sensation, pain, and temporary blindness) used in policing, riot control, crowd control, and self-defense, including defense against dogs and bears.[5][6] Its inflammatory effects cause the eyes to close, temporarily taking away vision. This temporary blindness allows officers to more easily restrain subjects and permits people in danger to use pepper spray in self-defense for an opportunity to escape. It also causes temporary discomfort and burning of the lungs which causes shortness of breath.

Pepper spray was engineered into a spray originally for defense against bears, mountain lions, wolves and other dangerous predators, and is often referred to colloquially as bear spray.

Kamran Loghman, the person who developed it for use in riot control, wrote the guide for police departments on how it should be used. It was successfully adapted, except for improper usages such as when police sprayed peaceful protestors at University of California, Davis in 2011. Loghman commented, "I have never seen such an inappropriate and improper use of chemical agents", prompting court rulings completely barring its use on docile persons.[7][8][9]

The active ingredient in pepper spray is capsaicin, which is derived from the fruit of plants in the genus Capsicum, including chilis. Extraction of oleoresin capsicum (OC) from peppers requires capsicum to be finely ground, from which capsaicin is then extracted using an organic solvent such as ethanol. The solvent is then evaporated, and the remaining waxlike resin is the oleoresin capsaicin.[10]

An emulsifier such as propylene glycol is used to suspend OC in water, and the suspension is then pressurized to make an aerosol pepper spray. Other sprays may use an alcohol (such as isopropyl alcohol) base for a more penetrating product, but a risk of fire is present if combined with a taser.[11]

Determining the strength of pepper sprays made by different manufacturers can be confusing and difficult. Statements a company makes about their product strength are not regulated.

There are several counterparts of pepper spray developed and legal to possess in some countries.

Pepper spray is an inflammatory agent. It inflames the mucous membranes in the eyes, nose, throat and lungs.[14] It causes immediate closing of the eyes, difficulty breathing, runny nose, and coughing.[15] The duration of its effects depends on the strength of the spray; the average full effect lasts from 20 to 90 minutes, but eye irritation and redness can last for up to 24 hours.[16]

The Journal of Investigative Ophthalmology and Visual Science published a study that concluded that single exposure of the eye to OC is harmless, but repeated exposure can result in long-lasting changes in corneal sensitivity. They found no lasting decrease in visual acuity.[17]

The European Parliament Scientific and Technological Options Assessment (STOA) published in 1998 "An Appraisal of Technologies of Political Control"[18] The STOA appraisal states:

For those taking drugs, or those subjected to restraining techniques that restrict the breathing passages, there is a risk of death. In 1995, the Los Angeles Times reported at least 61 deaths associated with police use of pepper spray since 1990 in the USA.[19] The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) documented 27 people in police custody who died after exposure to pepper spray in California since 1993.[20][21] However, the ACLU report counts all deaths occurring within hours of exposure to pepper spray regardless of prior interaction, taser use, or if drugs are involved. In all 27 cases listed by the ACLU, the coroners' report listed other factors as the primary cause of death; in a few cases the use of pepper spray may have been a contributing factor.

The US Army performed studies in 1993 at Aberdeen Proving Ground, and a UNC study in 2000 stated that the compound in peppers, capsaicin, is mildly mutagenic, and 10% of mice exposed to it developed cancer. Where the study also found many beneficial effects of capsaicin, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration released statements declaring exposure of employees to OC is an unnecessary health risk. As of 1999, it was in use by more than 2,000 public safety agencies.[22]

The head of the FBI's Less-Than-Lethal Weapons Program at the time of the 1991 study, Special Agent Thomas W. W. Ward, was fired by the FBI and was sentenced to two months in prison for receiving payments from a pepper-gas manufacturer while conducting and authoring the FBI study that eventually approved pepper spray for FBI use.[23][24] Prosecutors said that from December 1989 through 1990, Ward received about $5,000 a month for a total of $57,500, from Luckey Police Products, a Fort Lauderdale, Florida-based company that was a major producer and supplier of pepper spray. The payments were paid through a Florida company owned by Ward's wife.[25]

Direct close-range spray can cause more serious eye irritation by attacking the cornea with a concentrated stream of liquid (the so-called "hydraulic needle" effect). Some brands have addressed this problem by means of an elliptically cone-shaped spray pattern.

Pepper spray has been associated with positional asphyxiation of individuals in police custody. There is much debate over the actual cause of death in these cases. There have been few controlled clinical studies of the human health effects of pepper spray marketed for police use, and those studies are contradictory. Some studies have found no harmful effects beyond the effects described above.[26] Due to these studies and deaths, many law enforcement agencies have moved to include policies and training to prevent positional deaths.[27][28] However, there are some scientific studies that argue the positional asphyxiation claim is a myth due to pinpoint pressure on a person. The study by two universities stressed that no pressure should be applied to the neck area. They concluded that the person's own weight is not scientifically enough to stop a person's breathing with the rest of their body supported.[29]

For individuals not previously exposed to OC effects, the general feelings after being sprayed can be best likened to being "set alight". The initial reaction, should the spray be directed at the face, is the involuntary closing of the eyes, an instant sensation of the restriction of the airways and the general feeling of sudden and intense, searing pain about the face, nose, and throat. This is due to irritation of mucous membranes. Many people experience fear and are disoriented due to sudden restriction of vision even though it is temporary. There is associated shortness of breath, although studies performed with asthmatics have not produced any asthma attacks in those individuals, and monitoring is still needed for the individuals after exposure.[30] Police are trained to repeatedly instruct targets to breathe normally if they complain of difficulty, as the shock of the exposure can generate considerable panic as opposed to actual physical symptoms.

Capsaicin is not soluble in water, and even large volumes of water will not wash it off, only dilute it. In general, victims are encouraged to blink vigorously in order to encourage tears, which will help flush the irritant from the eyes.

A study of five often-recommended treatments for skin pain (Maalox, 2% lidocaine gel, baby shampoo, milk, or water) concluded that: "...there was no significant difference in pain relief provided by five different treatment regimens. Time after exposure appeared to be the best predictor for a decrease in pain...".[31]

Many ambulance services and emergency departments carry saline to remove the spray. Some of the OC and CS will remain in the respiratory system, but a recovery of vision and the coordination of the eyes can be expected within 7 to 15 minutes.[32]

Some "triple-action" pepper sprays also contain "tear gas" (CS gas), which can be neutralized with sodium metabisulfite (Campden tablets), though it is not for use on a person, only for area clean up.[33]

Pepper spray typically comes in canisters, which are often small enough to be carried or concealed in a pocket or purse. Pepper spray can also be purchased concealed in items such as rings. There are also pepper spray projectiles available, which can be fired from a paintball gun or similar platform. It has been used for years against demonstrators and aggressive animals like bears. There are also many types such as foam, gel, foggers, and spray.[34]

Pepper spray is banned for use in war by Article I.5 of the Chemical Weapons Convention, which bans the use of all riot control agents in warfare whether lethal or less-than-lethal.[35] Depending on the location, it may be legal to use for self-defense.

Pepper spray designed to be used against people is considered a prohibited weapon in Canada. The definition under regulation states "any device designed to be used for the purpose of injuring, immobilizing or otherwise incapacitating any person by the discharge therefrom of (a) tear gas, Mace or other gas, or (b) any liquid, spray, powder or other substance that is capable of injuring, immobilizing or otherwise incapacitating any person" is a prohibited weapon.[68]

Only law enforcement officers may legally carry or possess pepper spray labeled for use on persons. Any similar canister with the labels reading "dog spray" or "bear spray" is regulated under the Pest Control Products Act—while legal to be carried by anyone, it is against the law if its use causes "a risk of imminent death or serious bodily harm to another person" or harming the environment and carries a penalty up to a fine of $500,000 and jail time of maximum 3 years.[69] Carrying bear spray in public, without justification, may also lead to charges under the Criminal Code.[70]

It is a federal offense to carry/ship pepper spray on a commercial airliner or possess it beyond the security metal detectors at the airport. State law and local ordinances regarding possession and use vary across the country. Pepper spray up to 4 Oz is permitted in checked baggage.[71]

When pepper spray is used in the workplace, OSHA requires a pepper spray Safety Data Sheet (SDS) be available to all employees.[72]

Pepper spray can be legally purchased and carried in all 50 states and the District of Columbia.[73] Some states regulate the maximum allowed strength of the pepper spray, age restriction, content and use.[74]

In June 2002, West Australian resident Rob Hall was convicted for using a canister of pepper spray to break up an altercation between two guests at his home in Midland. He was sentenced to a good behavior bond and granted a spent conviction order, which he appealed to the Supreme Court. Justice Christine Wheeler ruled in his favor, thereby legalizing pepper spray in the state on a case-by-case basis for those who are able to show a reasonable excuse.[92][97]

On 14 March 2012, a person dressed entirely in black entered the public gallery of the New South Wales Legislative Council and launched a paper plane into the air in the form of a petition to Police Minister Mike Gallacher calling on the government to allow civilians to carry capsicum spray.[98]

Media related to Pepper sprays at Wikimedia Commons

Scoville heat units: 2,000,000 – 5,300,000Jalapeño reference point: 250 to 2,120 times hotterProducts: Pepper spray on Amazon

If you’re looking for a little protection that’s safer than carrying most weapons, then visiting the top of the Scoville scale has an interesting option for you: pepper spray.

It stops attackers (whether human or animal) in their tracks, normally without lasting effects. It’s one of the most popular deterrents used by the police, military, and civilians too. Pepper spray is widely available in the United States, and it eclipses nearly everything on the Scoville scale. But important: Know your laws before buying. Certain states have specific laws regulating its purchase, and in some countries, pepper spray is illegal for private citizens to carry, even if the use is solely for self-defense.

It’s one of the closest things to pure capsaicin that’s out there. Capsaicin is the compound that gives peppers their heat. Typical pepper spray will land somewhere in the 2,000,000 to 5,300,000 Scoville heat unit range. That’s about, on average, 500 times the strength of a jalapeño. Or about 6 to 15 times the strength of a habanero pepper. Pepper spray even eclipses the hottest peppers in the world, coming in at close to the same heat (the Trinidad Moruga Scorpion) or up to 5 times stronger (the ghost pepper). This is wicked hot stuff.

We’ll keep the science simple here. If you’ve worked with jalapeños before (or any hot pepper for that matter), at some point you’ve likely touched your eyes after handling them. As you know, it causes an unpleasant burning sensation in your eyes. And that’s putting it mildly. The hotter peppers can have the same effect on your skin, even when you are wearing protective gloves. It’s the capsaicin in the pepper that causes these reactions.

Now imagine a liquid containing 500 times the heat of a jalapeño being sprayed on your face. That’s pepper spray. Yeah, it works really well as a deterrent.

Capsaicin is the chemical that delivers the heat in chili peppers, and simply put: it’s an irritant to human beings and many animals. High levels of capsaicin can cause burning sensations, pain, numbness, eye-watering, and more. When it hits the eyes, the inflammation that occurs forces the eyes to close, causing temporary blindness in the process.

But the effects are typically short-lived and have no lasting effects. This is why pepper spray is so effective and popular. It slowly wears off. So if you are being attacked by a person or an animal (like a bear while hiking for instance), it can give you the time you need to escape and get help. It’s a smart investment for women, the elderly, campers, hikers, runners, bikers, and anyone else who have concerns over safety.

While pepper spray typically has no lasting effects, there have been cases of severe injuries and even death associated with it. Typically these incidents involve people who have asthma or another respiratory problem or people on illegal drugs. It can also be lethal if the person being sprayed is already restrained in a way that blocks breathing. So, like with many deterrents, there are risks associated with it.

In the United States, each individual state has its own laws surrounding pepper spray. A great many allow it to be purchased over the counter and bought online with no other regulation. But some states (California, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, Washington, and Wisconsin), have specific regulations in place. Most of the laws surround the amount you’re allowed to carry, where you can buy it, and the concept of “reasonable use”. To get a better overview, read this article on Wikipedia that briefly covers each state where laws are in effect.

How "Hot" is "Hot" when it comes to pepper sprays?

The only true statement and rating of hotness in a pepper spray is the Major Capsaiciniods (MC) rating. Without knowing what the MC percentage is, you do not know the strength of the pepper spray. The OC and SHU percentages used on packaging tell you nothing about the hotness of a particular spray! Do not be deceived by other manufacturers claims of strength and hotness. Read the specifications for a true comparison. Most manufacturers will not specify what their products MC percentage is!

MC:  Major Capsaicinoids are the chemical components of peppers that make them hot. Measuring by MC is a laboratory conducted and very accurate test for gauging hotness.

OC: Oleoresin Capsicum is the oil extracted from the pepper that contains within it the Major Capsaciniods. This is not how to rate the hotness of a spray. A 10% OC can be much hotter than a 20% OC pepper spray.

SHU: Scoville Heat Units were invented in 1912 by a pharmacist named Wilbur Scoville. These units measure the amount of capsaicin (the chemical that provides the heat) in a pepper. Measuring by SHUs (Scoville Heat Units) is a subjective taste test. Pepper spray companies always rate their spray this way. The problem with SHU is they are measuring the SHU rating for the O.C. and not the contents of the can. This means companies use an O.C. rated at 5 million SHU and it sounds extremely hot, but then they don't put much of it in the can of pepper spray so it really is misleading and ends up not hot at all. Don't be mislead by exaggerated claims.

UDAP Pepper Power's® World's Hottest Formula

UDAPs World's Hottest Formula is rated at 3.0% MC. The hottest pepper spray formula at this time. This is  the hottest formula for stopping power! Again, the primary deciding factor of hotness in a pepper spray is the MC rating. Without knowing what the MC percentage is, OC percentage tells you nothing about the hotness of the spray! Almost all other Pepper sprays fall between the ranges of .18% to 1.34%.  With 3.0% MC, UDAP has THE HOTTEST pepper spray available!

Do not be deceived by other seller's claims of strength and hotness! Read the specifications for the truth. Most companies will not specify what the MC percentage is on their product.

Pepper spray, oleoresin capsicum spray, OC spray, capsaicin spray, or capsicum spray is an inflammatory agent (a compound that irritates the eyes to cause a burning sensation, pain, and temporary blindness) used in policing, riot control, crowd control, and self-defense, including defense against dogs and bears.[5][6] Its inflammatory effects cause the eyes to close, temporarily taking away vision. This temporary blindness allows officers to more easily restrain subjects and permits people in danger to use pepper spray in self-defense for an opportunity to escape. It also causes temporary discomfort and burning of the lungs which causes shortness of breath.

Pepper spray was engineered into a spray originally for defense against bears, mountain lions, wolves and other dangerous predators, and is often referred to colloquially as bear spray.

Kamran Loghman, the person who developed it for use in riot control, wrote the guide for police departments on how it should be used. It was successfully adapted, except for improper usages such as when police sprayed peaceful protestors at University of California, Davis in 2011. Loghman commented, "I have never seen such an inappropriate and improper use of chemical agents", prompting court rulings completely barring its use on docile persons.[7][8][9]

The active ingredient in pepper spray is capsaicin, which is derived from the fruit of plants in the genus Capsicum, including chilis. Extraction of oleoresin capsicum (OC) from peppers requires capsicum to be finely ground, from which capsaicin is then extracted using an organic solvent such as ethanol. The solvent is then evaporated, and the remaining waxlike resin is the oleoresin capsaicin.[10]

An emulsifier such as propylene glycol is used to suspend OC in water, and the suspension is then pressurized to make an aerosol pepper spray. Other sprays may use an alcohol (such as isopropyl alcohol) base for a more penetrating product, but a risk of fire is present if combined with a taser.[11]

Determining the strength of pepper sprays made by different manufacturers can be confusing and difficult. Statements a company makes about their product strength are not regulated.

There are several counterparts of pepper spray developed and legal to possess in some countries.

Pepper spray is an inflammatory agent. It inflames the mucous membranes in the eyes, nose, throat and lungs.[14] It causes immediate closing of the eyes, difficulty breathing, runny nose, and coughing.[15] The duration of its effects depends on the strength of the spray; the average full effect lasts from 20 to 90 minutes, but eye irritation and redness can last for up to 24 hours.[16]

The Journal of Investigative Ophthalmology and Visual Science published a study that concluded that single exposure of the eye to OC is harmless, but repeated exposure can result in long-lasting changes in corneal sensitivity. They found no lasting decrease in visual acuity.[17]

The European Parliament Scientific and Technological Options Assessment (STOA) published in 1998 "An Appraisal of Technologies of Political Control"[18] The STOA appraisal states:

For those taking drugs, or those subjected to restraining techniques that restrict the breathing passages, there is a risk of death. In 1995, the Los Angeles Times reported at least 61 deaths associated with police use of pepper spray since 1990 in the USA.[19] The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) documented 27 people in police custody who died after exposure to pepper spray in California since 1993.[20][21] However, the ACLU report counts all deaths occurring within hours of exposure to pepper spray regardless of prior interaction, taser use, or if drugs are involved. In all 27 cases listed by the ACLU, the coroners' report listed other factors as the primary cause of death; in a few cases the use of pepper spray may have been a contributing factor.

The US Army performed studies in 1993 at Aberdeen Proving Ground, and a UNC study in 2000 stated that the compound in peppers, capsaicin, is mildly mutagenic, and 10% of mice exposed to it developed cancer. Where the study also found many beneficial effects of capsaicin, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration released statements declaring exposure of employees to OC is an unnecessary health risk. As of 1999, it was in use by more than 2,000 public safety agencies.[22]

The head of the FBI's Less-Than-Lethal Weapons Program at the time of the 1991 study, Special Agent Thomas W. W. Ward, was fired by the FBI and was sentenced to two months in prison for receiving payments from a pepper-gas manufacturer while conducting and authoring the FBI study that eventually approved pepper spray for FBI use.[23][24] Prosecutors said that from December 1989 through 1990, Ward received about $5,000 a month for a total of $57,500, from Luckey Police Products, a Fort Lauderdale, Florida-based company that was a major producer and supplier of pepper spray. The payments were paid through a Florida company owned by Ward's wife.[25]

Direct close-range spray can cause more serious eye irritation by attacking the cornea with a concentrated stream of liquid (the so-called "hydraulic needle" effect). Some brands have addressed this problem by means of an elliptically cone-shaped spray pattern.

Pepper spray has been associated with positional asphyxiation of individuals in police custody. There is much debate over the actual cause of death in these cases. There have been few controlled clinical studies of the human health effects of pepper spray marketed for police use, and those studies are contradictory. Some studies have found no harmful effects beyond the effects described above.[26] Due to these studies and deaths, many law enforcement agencies have moved to include policies and training to prevent positional deaths.[27][28] However, there are some scientific studies that argue the positional asphyxiation claim is a myth due to pinpoint pressure on a person. The study by two universities stressed that no pressure should be applied to the neck area. They concluded that the person's own weight is not scientifically enough to stop a person's breathing with the rest of their body supported.[29]

For individuals not previously exposed to OC effects, the general feelings after being sprayed can be best likened to being "set alight". The initial reaction, should the spray be directed at the face, is the involuntary closing of the eyes, an instant sensation of the restriction of the airways and the general feeling of sudden and intense, searing pain about the face, nose, and throat. This is due to irritation of mucous membranes. Many people experience fear and are disoriented due to sudden restriction of vision even though it is temporary. There is associated shortness of breath, although studies performed with asthmatics have not produced any asthma attacks in those individuals, and monitoring is still needed for the individuals after exposure.[30] Police are trained to repeatedly instruct targets to breathe normally if they complain of difficulty, as the shock of the exposure can generate considerable panic as opposed to actual physical symptoms.

Capsaicin is not soluble in water, and even large volumes of water will not wash it off, only dilute it. In general, victims are encouraged to blink vigorously in order to encourage tears, which will help flush the irritant from the eyes.

A study of five often-recommended treatments for skin pain (Maalox, 2% lidocaine gel, baby shampoo, milk, or water) concluded that: "...there was no significant difference in pain relief provided by five different treatment regimens. Time after exposure appeared to be the best predictor for a decrease in pain...".[31]

Many ambulance services and emergency departments carry saline to remove the spray. Some of the OC and CS will remain in the respiratory system, but a recovery of vision and the coordination of the eyes can be expected within 7 to 15 minutes.[32]

Some "triple-action" pepper sprays also contain "tear gas" (CS gas), which can be neutralized with sodium metabisulfite (Campden tablets), though it is not for use on a person, only for area clean up.[33]

Pepper spray typically comes in canisters, which are often small enough to be carried or concealed in a pocket or purse. Pepper spray can also be purchased concealed in items such as rings. There are also pepper spray projectiles available, which can be fired from a paintball gun or similar platform. It has been used for years against demonstrators and aggressive animals like bears. There are also many types such as foam, gel, foggers, and spray.[34]

Pepper spray is banned for use in war by Article I.5 of the Chemical Weapons Convention, which bans the use of all riot control agents in warfare whether lethal or less-than-lethal.[35] Depending on the location, it may be legal to use for self-defense.

Pepper spray designed to be used against people is considered a prohibited weapon in Canada. The definition under regulation states "any device designed to be used for the purpose of injuring, immobilizing or otherwise incapacitating any person by the discharge therefrom of (a) tear gas, Mace or other gas, or (b) any liquid, spray, powder or other substance that is capable of injuring, immobilizing or otherwise incapacitating any person" is a prohibited weapon.[68]

Only law enforcement officers may legally carry or possess pepper spray labeled for use on persons. Any similar canister with the labels reading "dog spray" or "bear spray" is regulated under the Pest Control Products Act—while legal to be carried by anyone, it is against the law if its use causes "a risk of imminent death or serious bodily harm to another person" or harming the environment and carries a penalty up to a fine of $500,000 and jail time of maximum 3 years.[69] Carrying bear spray in public, without justification, may also lead to charges under the Criminal Code.[70]

It is a federal offense to carry/ship pepper spray on a commercial airliner or possess it beyond the security metal detectors at the airport. State law and local ordinances regarding possession and use vary across the country. Pepper spray up to 4 Oz is permitted in checked baggage.[71]

When pepper spray is used in the workplace, OSHA requires a pepper spray Safety Data Sheet (SDS) be available to all employees.[72]

Pepper spray can be legally purchased and carried in all 50 states and the District of Columbia.[73] Some states regulate the maximum allowed strength of the pepper spray, age restriction, content and use.[74]

In June 2002, West Australian resident Rob Hall was convicted for using a canister of pepper spray to break up an altercation between two guests at his home in Midland. He was sentenced to a good behavior bond and granted a spent conviction order, which he appealed to the Supreme Court. Justice Christine Wheeler ruled in his favor, thereby legalizing pepper spray in the state on a case-by-case basis for those who are able to show a reasonable excuse.[92][97]

On 14 March 2012, a person dressed entirely in black entered the public gallery of the New South Wales Legislative Council and launched a paper plane into the air in the form of a petition to Police Minister Mike Gallacher calling on the government to allow civilians to carry capsicum spray.[98]

Media related to Pepper sprays at Wikimedia Commons

Thousands of years ago, in ancient China, warriors threw hot spices at their enemies to disable them so they could easily defeat them. This fighting method was the precursor of today’s modern pepper spray.

In the 1980s, the FBI did exhaustive research on pepper spray, which prompted the widespread use of pepper spray as a self-defense weapon. It has become one of the most popular self-defense products for its effectiveness.

The ratings for pepper sprays are based on the Scoville heat unit, or SHU, a standard measurement of heat. One of the hottest peppers in the world, the habañero, has 500,000 SHUs. By comparison, most pepper sprays start at 2,000,000 SHUs.

If you have ever cooked with spicy peppers, such as jalapeños, you probably know you should avoid touching your eyes after using them. Doing it causes an unpleasant and burning sensation on your skin because of the jalapeños’ spiciness.

Capsaicin is the chemical that creates heat in peppers. When you cook with jalapeños, that substance can remain on your fingers. Capsaicin is an irritant to human beings and animals, causing burning sensations, pain, and numbness. That’s why your eyes hurt if you touch your eyes after handling jalapeños.

Imagine if you took the capsaicin in a jalapeño and concentrated it so you formed a substance 500 times more potent. That’s essentially what pepper spray is. When the pepper spray touches someone’s face, the inflammatory response is so strong it forces the eyes to close, causing temporary blindness.

Even though there are no lasting effects, pepper spray temporarily incapacitates an attacker, allowing you to escape. A pepper spray gun is a wise investment for women, the elderly, campers, and hikers. In addition to being highly effective, it’s generally affordable and easy to carry around.

Pepper Spray vs. Mace

Mace is technically a brand name, but it’s often used to describe all kinds of pepper sprays. It’s similar to other products like Band-Aids, where the brand name is generally used to describe bandages.

Traditionally, mace and pepper spray have used different active substances. Pepper spray uses a substance called oleoresin capsicum, or OC, which essentially is a capsaicin derivative. Conversely, mace uses phenacyl chloride, also called CN tear gas.

When thinking about pepper spray vs. mace, it’s essential to know both are effective self-defense tools that irritate skin and eyes. However, mace has been found to be ineffective against people under the influence of drugs and alcohol.

Source: Schnoeppl/Shutterstock.com

Usually, as mentioned, pepper spray ratings are based on Scoville Units or SHUs, a measurement of hotness. More precisely, Scoville Units measure the amount of capsaicin in a pepper. The test is a subjective taste test, and it’s done by simply tasting the peppers. Since capsaicin is essentially the primary substance used in pepper sprays, companies rate their sprays using SHUs.

Most pepper sprays start in the two million SHUs range, which, again, is about four times the hotness of a habañero, one of the hottest peppers in the world. Any pepper or mace spray in the two million SHUs range is effective, but you can go for even stronger ones. There are pepper sprays with up to five million SHUs, some of the strongest commercially available.

Some people believe the pepper spray Scoville rating can be misleading because it’s a measurement of heat subjective to the recipient. SHUs measure the amount of heat you experience when tasting a pepper or a hot sauce, which can be different for people.

A more accurate indicator of a pepper spray’s strength is the MC rating, or major capsaicinoids rating. The MC rating is not a subjective test, and it’s done in a laboratory by gauging the quantitative heat of the capsaicinoids, the chemical substance that produces hotness.

Source: Yaroslau Mikheyeu/Shutterstock.com