Pepper spray is the non lethal shot that can save your life. Pepper spray is an organic based chemical compound that irritates the eyes to cause tears and pain. It is an inflammatory agent which causes an immediate burning sensation and involuntary closing of the eyes. The active ingredient in pepper spray is capsaicin, a chemical derived from the fruit of plants in the Capsicum genus, including chilis. It's most common use if for self defense, including defense against animals. It is highly effective against individuals whose pain awareness receptors are not functioning due to use of alcohol, drugs, or mental illness. The attacker will involuntarily move his hands to his face to rub his eyes allowing any weapon to be dropped or tossed aside. It will disable an attacker for around 30-45 minutes but causes no permanent damage. This allows you time to escape and call the police.

According to Department of Justice, FBI statistics for 2004 that year there were:
94,635 reported rapes, most in the midwest, most in July
401,326 rpbberies, most in the South, most on the street
854,911 incidents of aggravated assaults, again most in the South
38,000 car jackings, average per year

The outcome of an attack is usually decided within the first 8-10 seconds. Sometimes just the sight of the spray and the threat of its use can stop the altercation before it begins.

The strength of the pepper spray is measured in Scoville Heat Units (SHU). The original method was developed in 1912 by pharmacologist Wilbur Scoville. Today, the value is measured by a computerized method called High Performance Liquid Chromatography. The scale ranges from 0 for bell pepper to 5,000 units for a jalepeno to 15,000,000 units for pure capsaicin. Most sprays today contain 5-10% concentrations.

Unlike other weapons that require close proximity to the attacker, this spray will disable a subject from a range of 8-20 feet away minimizing your contact and risk.

Pepper sprays are available in many, many sizes and packaging has become very inventive. You can choose the usual keychain varieties in a ? oz to 4 oz size or the same type canister with an auto visor clip for easy accessibility. There are also unique designs such as one made to look like an everyday black pager (dual canister with twice the power of key ring sprays) or the new lipstick design in 4 colors with 20 half-second sprays with a range of 10 feet. If you have someone who walks regularly for exercise, choose the Hot Walkers, (2) 1 pound walking weights with built-in pepper spray and elastic hand straps for support. These also have a storage compartment for keys and money. For the businesswoman, choose the Pepper Pen which looks like any black writing pen. Or you may choose to wear your protection and pick the Stunning Ring Pepper Spray. This elegantly crafted ring plated in silver or gold is designed with a genuine black onyx stone. Designed to be worn on either hand on the first or second finger with the thumb accessible to operate the safety latch and trigger. Many of these products come with replaceable canisters.

Do not use pepper spray on an animal unless it is especially formulated for that use. Animal tear ducts are not the same as humans and aren't affected by excess tearing formulas. Instead, animal solutions affect respiration and cause immediate dilation of the capillaries in the eyes resulting in temporary blindness. They have an effective range of up to 10 feet and can incapacitate an animal before it attacks.

Although there is no way of completely neutralizing pepper spray, the effects can be minimized. Capsicum is not soluble in water so dousing even with large quantities will offer little relief. It is soluble in fats and oil and mild detergent can be used to wash it off. A solution of milk, honey, mild detergent and baking soda will soothe the area and relieve the chemical burn.

Although not thought of as a usual type of gift, if you have someone who works late at night, is off at college, or travels a lot these items can say that you care about their safety. Like any weapon, these sprays should always be kept out of the reach of children and pets.