In this day and time, there are so many reasons why you would feel unsafe, even if you lived in a small town. Defending yourself is a lot easier than you may think. Pepper spray is one of the most used form of self defense around, and by learning more about it, you will soon realize that this can be a powerful weapon ideal for you.

Pepper spray is a chemical compound that irritates the soft tissue found in eyes to cause pain, tears, and even temporary blindness. The primary ingredient in pepper spray is capsaicin, a chemical derived from various peppers. While it was originally used the purpose of riot control and animal control, it has made it's way around to personal self-defense quite rapidly and is considered to be a non-lethal agent. It is very portable and convenient and can be used without training, which makes it ideal for many people.

Pepper spray usually come in canisters that can be kept in a purse or pocket and in times of danger be brought out to spray an aggressor. Although the spray canisters are quite convenient, some people have produced rings that will conceal pepper spray and there are now pepper spray projectiles that can be shot from a paintball gun. The range on pepper spray varies depending on what brand and model of canister you use, but as with any aerosol product, you will want to be as close as possible to the target.

A canister of pepper spray can be very useful, if not vital in a situation where you are being threatened. The important thing to remember is that once you hit an aggressor with pepper spray that you should leave the area as soon as possible and notify the authorities. Also keep in mind that people will react to it in different ways, so don't count on an aggressor being immobilized for a certain length of time; just leave the situation as soon as possible! Always remember to keep the pepper spray pointed away from yourself.

Laws on pepper spray differ from state to state in the United States, and many countries have banned it or restricted it as an offensive weapon. Wherever you live, it is important to figure out if this is a legal means of protecting yourself. In terms of family defense, pepper spray has been seen as a better solution to protecting your home and loved ones than a gun. Pepper spray, while painful, is non-lethal, and one of the risks with having a gun is having it taken away to be used against you. Pepper spray can also be used by responsible adolescents.

It is important to feel comfortable and confident everywhere you have to go, and pepper spray can help you with that. Remember that the best situation results in not having to use it at all, but pepper spray can provide you with an extra margin of safety in your day to day life.