Security Blog
Sunday/October 18,2009
Pepper spray, also known as OC spray (from "Oleoresin Capsicum"), OC gas, and capsicum spray, is a lachrymatory agent (a chemical compound that irritates the eyes to cause tears, pain, and even temporary blindness) that is used in riot control, crowd control, and personal self-defense, including defense against dogs and bears.
The active ingredient in pepper spray is capsaicin, which is a chemical derived from the fruit of plants in the Capsicum genus, including chilis. Extraction of oleoresin capsicum from peppers involves finely ground capsicum, from which capsaicin is extracted in an organic solvent such as ethanol. The solvent is then evaporated, and the remaining waxlike resin is the oleoresin capsicum. An emulsifier such as propylene glycol is used to suspend the OC in water, and pressurized to make it aerosol in pepper spray.
The high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method is used to measure the amount of capsaicin within pepper sprays. Scoville Heat Units (SHU) are used to measure the concentration or "heat" of pepper spray. Oleoresin capsicum also is used in foods where the flavor and piquancy are desired without visible pepper specks, or to standardize the Scoville units.
A synthetic analogue of capsaicin, pelargonic acid vanillylamide (desmethyldihydrocapsaicin), is used in another version of pepper spray known as PAVA spray which is used in England. Another synthetic counterpart of pepper spray, pelargonic acid morpholide, was developed and is widely used in Russia.
Its effectiveness compared to natural pepper spray is unclear. 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 bought concealed in items such as rings. There are also pepper spray projectiles available, which can be fired from a paintball gun. It has been used for years against demonstrators.
(11-07) 14:38 PST RICHMOND -- The Richmond girl gang raped outside her high school last month received a very public show of support Saturday - a march and rally.
The 16-year-old victim, a sophomore at Richmond High, was sexually assaulted after leaving her homecoming dance Oct. 24. Six young men ages 15 to 21 have been charged with a variety of crimes, including rape.
Could a fogger pepper spray(good for multiple attackers), a personal sound alarm and a small stun gun used for her self defense, have saved her from this horrific crime she will have to deal with the rest of her life? We will never know because the fact is: if your are not prepared to defend yourself, your guarenteed to become a victim.
As a parent or guardian, are willing to take the risk? Thinking this will never happen to you or any of your loved ones is wishful thinking. Do you think that innocent young girl ever thought she would become the victim of such an attack?
Men, the first thing you must do as a parent is teach your sons that forcing themselves on a women is NEVER an acceptable thing! NEVER! Education is the key to changing the mindset and culture of our youth. Second, if you have daughters, always tell them to be aware of their surroundings where ever it may be. Third, arm them with some type of personal defense product. A stun gun, pepper spray, or personal sound alarm could be the difference between escape or becoming a victim.
Youth gangs rove Center City after fights at Gallery
Posted on Sat, Dec. 19, 2009
By Sam Wood
Inquirer Staff Writer
Police made a show of force in Center City yesterday after they were alerted that large groups of teens planned to gather in response to two fights at the Gallery at Market East.
Security guards were posted at every entrance to the Gallery and did not permit juveniles without adults to enter, said police spokesman Lt. Frank Vanore.
Throughout the afternoon, police monitored gangs of youths - some numbering up to 100 - as they roved from the Gallery to other Center City locations. Dispite the police presence, innocent by standers and shoppers were assaulted for no reason.
A pepperspray or fogger is a good deterrant from random personal attacks. Remember that the police are a reactionary force, not a protection force. It's up to you to protect yourself and family.
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