Are Mace and Pepper Spray the same?
Pepper spray and mace are both self defense sprays. Mace is different because it is a form of tear gas as well as being a brand name of pepper spray. First lets discuss mace as a type of tear gas.
Mace
Mace spray contains lachrymator in a volatile solvent. Mace irritates the membrane tissues in the eyes, nose, throat, and lungs. This irritation will cause tears and mucus to flow. They will also sneeze and cough from being sprayed. Mace requires the person being sprayed to be able to feel pain. If the person is under the influence of drugs or alcohol they may not react to mace. Mace will not work against wild animals. Once mace is sprayed some of it becomes gaseous. This is advantageous because even though the person may not be hit right in the face they may still feel the effects. Mace sprayed in a room will most likely affect all those in the room. The room will be uninhabitable for several hours until the spray fully disperses. Mace can take 5 to 30 seconds to take affect. After you wash it off, mace will still be working for approximately 30 to 120 minutes. Mace is non-lethal. Mace is illegal in many countries.
Pepper Spray
Pepper spray is made from peppers such as cayenne pepper. Pepper spray will even work on individuals who are under the effects of alcohol or drugs. Pepper spray also works on animals. To be effective pepper spray should be sprayed right straight into the persons face including the mouth, eyes and nose. Pepper spray does not dissipate over time. Pepper spray begins to work on the person sprayed very quickly, about 3 to 5 seconds. The person sprayed may be blinded for 15 to 30 minutes. The affected person will cough for 3 to 15 minutes and the burning can last up to an hour. Pepper spray is generally non-lethal; however there have been cases of death, especially when sprayed on people who have poor breathing. Pepper spray is non-soluble in water and needs to be washed off with soap. Pepper spray is legal in the United States though some states have laws regarding the strength of the pepper spray allowed. One two ounce canister of pepper spray can also be carried in checked luggage on a plane.
Difference between Mace and Pepper Spray
While both mace and pepper spray are common aerosol sprays used for self-defense, there are significant differences between their effects and use. Pepper spray works on people who are high and drunk whereas mace may not. Pepper spray is very effective on animals, mace not so much so. Pepper spray takes effect more quickly than mace. Mace on the other hand can last longer. Mace is non-lethal but pepper spray may be dangerous or lethal when used on people with breathing problems. A person must be hit directly with pepper spray whereas mace only needs to be in the right vicinity. Pepper spray is legal but regulated, while mace is illegal for general public use in most Western countries.
About the Author
Artical by Mark Strong. I live with my wife in Ohio and am enjoying life very much. We began our business hoping that the products and information we deliver to people would help them to feel safer and more secure in thier daily lives. http://www.affordablestungunplus.com/wildfire.htm
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