PEPPER SPRAY
Women's Self-Defense Boston
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Defensive Sprays & Pepper Spray - An Introduction
This module contains a few short videos that will help you get a better understanding of what pepper spray actually is, why it's so effective, and the different types of sprays that exists etc., as well as
some FAQ's (Frequently Asked Questions), that we have received in past classes concerning defensive sprays. If you are
planning to attend an in-person Pepper Spray seminar at our location in Woburn, MA, you will be asked to familiarize yourself with the material in this module before coming to the physical training. The resources in this module,
along with the in-person training make up the blended learning course. If you are not planning to attend an in-person session with us, this module can still be used to gain knowledge around the selection
and use of Pepper Spray for self-defense.
The pages in this module can also act as a resource when you come to select a particular spray, so you shouldn't feel the need to take "notes" when attending on of our in-person classes, as all the information needed is contained on this page. There is also a short video outlining our basic approach for using pepper/OC spray (this is very different from the way that law-enforcement uses OC/Pepper spray as the focus of our program is on disengagement rather than engagement/apprehension). Whilst it doesn't contain everything taught in our in-person classes this video is a useful reminder/refresher of to some of the main points that are covered.
A History of Defensive Sprays
Defensive sprays, including pepper spray, have a long history rooted in humanity's enduring need for self-defense tools that can be delivered from a distance/at range. The concept of incapacitating an attacker using a spray-like mechanism dates back to ancient civilizations. Early examples of this idea can be traced to China, where powdered substances such as ground pepper were blown into an assailant's face as a method/means of self-defense. Whilst crude, doing such things capitalized on the irritant properties of natural substances to temporarily disable attackers and gain a tactical advantage e.g., if a person had difficulty seeing and breathing then their ability to fight and cause harm/damage was severely restricted.
The development of modern defensive sprays began in earnest in the mid-20th century, with the discovery and refinement of oleoresin capsicum (OC), the active ingredient in pepper spray. Capsaicin, a compound derived from chili peppers, is responsible for their intense heat, irritant, and inflammatory effects. Scientific advancements allowed researchers to extract and concentrate capsaicin, making it suitable for use in self-defense products. During the 1960s and 1970s, interest in non-lethal weapons grew, both for personal safety and law enforcement applications. In fact, during this period pepper spray was issued to postal workers making deliveries as it is effective on dogs, whereas as sprays that simply caused tearing didn’t (dogs don’t have tear glands). Pepper spray emerged as a promising solution due to its effectiveness, portability, and relative safety compared to firearms or blunt-force weapons.
Pepper spray’s adoption by law enforcement agencies marked a turning point in its history. In the United States, it gained widespread attention in the 1980s and 1990s as police forces sought non-lethal methods to subdue suspects while minimizing the risk of permanent injury. Extensive testing demonstrated its ability to cause temporary blindness, respiratory distress, and intense burning sensations, rendering individuals incapable of further aggression. Its use quickly expanded beyond law enforcement to civilians, who found that its ease of accessibility (compared to acquiring a license for a firearm) and ease of use as a personal safety tool (unlike a f irearm it doesn’t require a lot of time and/or effort to become proficient in its use.
The evolution of defensive sprays has not been limited to pepper spray alone. Tear gas, based on chemical irritants such as chloroacetophenone (CN) and chlorobenzylidene malononitrile (CS), predates pepper spray and has been widely used in crowd control since the early 20th century. While effective in dispersing large groups, tear gas can be less practical for personal defense due to its bulkier delivery mechanisms and potential for collateral exposure. Pepper spray, with its targeted application, filled this gap and became the preferred option for individuals seeking personal protection. The differences between different sprays will be looked at more closely in the next component of this course.
Over time, manufacturers have refined the delivery systems of pepper spray, creating more efficient and user-friendly products. Early versions relied on aerosol canisters, which were prone to leakage or malfunction. Modern iterations utilize advanced propulsion technologies and ergonomic designs to ensure reliability and precision. Variants include gel-based sprays, which reduce blowback in windy conditions, and foam sprays that stick to an attacker’s face for maximum effect. The various “strength and weaknesses” of different delivery mechanisms will also be looked at on this course.
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