| Pepper spray also referred to as an OC or capsicum | | | | usually two to three years after the date of purchase. |
| spray, is a very effective inflammatory agent that can | | | | OC may not disintegrate over time, but the unit may |
| easily irritate the eyes and result in pain, temporary | | | | not spray as far as expected if you use it beyond the |
| blindness, and tears. It is a byproduct of cayenne | | | | expiration period. The aerosol propellant may also leak |
| pepper, one of the hottest peppers in the world. The | | | | out, causing the spray to be less effective. Using your |
| spray normally comes in canister form, which is often | | | | spray beyond its expiration period is highly inadvisable. |
| times small enough to be hidden in your pocket or in | | | | MACE sprays have an easy to find expiration date on |
| your purse. | | | | the unit. It is strongly recommended that you replace |
| MACE pretty much works on the same concept. It is | | | | your spray after the indicated expiration period to |
| a chemical compound that causes the eyes to tear up | | | | ensure its effectiveness. |
| and creates a stinging sensation on the surface of the | | | | If you are using a spray that does not indicate an |
| skin. | | | | expiration date, the manufacturer has possibly included |
| While both MACE and pepper spray are common | | | | directions to test the unit every three months to |
| aerosol sprays used for self-defense, there are some | | | | ensure that it is ready if you should ever need it. |
| differences between their effects and use. Pepper | | | | These sprays have a limited capacity that may be |
| spray usually works on people who are under the | | | | exhausted through repeated testing so it is important |
| influence of drugs and alcohol while MACE may not. | | | | that you replace your spray once a year to ensure |
| Pepper spray also works on animals and MACE more | | | | potency. |
| often than not doesn't. Pepper spray takes effect | | | | Generally speaking, self defense sprays are great |
| more rapidly than MACE. A person must be hit directly | | | | tools for your personal protection. However, you need |
| with pepper spray whereas MACE only needs to be | | | | to know the proper way of using it so you can enjoy |
| within the area. | | | | the security it provides. Follow the safety precautions |
| Most self defense sprays have an expiration date | | | | and rules of the spray. If you do this, you can never go |
| stamped on their canisters. The expiration date is | | | | wrong. |