Chemical agents are one of the most effective forms of providing personal protection. The effects of these security sprays are powerful, rendering a person helpless in a mere matter of seconds. Chemical weapons such as Mace and pepper spray create intense discomfort, as well as psychologically affecting the recipient.

There is not much difference between Mace and pepper spray in its effects, including a burning of the skin and eyes, the uncontrollable closing of the eyes, coughing, choking, and the propensity for the nose to run profusely. The most severe of these effects last between 15 and 30 minutes, and the lingering effects can remain for hours.

The main difference between mace and pepper spray stems from its formulation chemical substances including CN tear gas, which are microscopic particles contained in a volatile carrier base. On the other hand, pepper spray is the liquid derived from chili peppers blended with an oily base to make it cling to the skin. Pepper spray does not create any long lasting, permanent damage. When used properly, Mace does not cause permanent injury either, but misuse of the product does carry with it certain risks. For this reason, most states require citizens who purchase Mace to attend a mandatory training class prior to being allowed to carry this particular self defense weapon. The training required with Mace is another difference between mace and pepper spray.

The Training Class :

Any instruction on the effects and proper use of Mace should be provided by the retailer where you are purchasing the product. Most often Mace is sold through a firearms dealer or a police supply store. In certain areas, it may be available through sporting goods stores, or you may purchase security sprays, such as a mace baton, through professional online websites.

The required training will normally consist of an overview of Mace, the ingredients that are in the product, the affects one can expect to experience, and instructions on giving first aid to a person who has been sprayed with Mace. The instructor will describe proper application techniques, such as aiming for the eyebrows and spraying from one side to the other, effective distance of the product, and potential hazards. For example, spraying someone with Mace from a distance of less than six feet away has the potential to cause permanent injury to them. If you are being attacked, this may not be much of a consideration, but it is something that everyone who carries Mace should understand.

Becoming a Qualified Carrier :

These instructional sessions are brief, and may last anywhere from 20 or 30 minutes to two hours. You may or may not be required to experience the effects of Mace firsthand. If your area does require you to do so, the instructor will normally spray some of the product on your index finger and have you wipe it under one or both eyes. Once you are exhibiting the effects of the product, you then may wash your skin with fresh water. Most areas, though, do not require civilians to have Mace applied directly to them.

Upon completion of the class, you will then become certified to carry Mace as a personal protection device. You may complete your purchase of the safety spray and, within the scope of local laws, carry it on your person as a means of defending yourself against potential attack.

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John Audlee is the president of Security Protectors, LLC. and a wholesaler distributer of Personal Safety and Surveillance products. John has been teaching people how to defend themselves for years. Let him show you how to protect everything you value.