Crime happens everywhere. People who often go out a lot are surely concerned about the rise of crime in the world, especially those who often go outside alone. To protect themselves from criminals, a lot of people learn self-defense. Aside from that, some also decide to bring items that can protect them from such bastards.
Talking about self-defense products, two popular options are mace and pepper spray. While two of them have the same function, which is to deter and incapacitate potential attackers, they are different. If you are thinking about using one of them, you may be wondering which is better. So, which is better for self-defense between mace and pepper spray? Find out the explanation below.
About Mace
Mace was a name of a brand that is related to chemical irritants. Originally, it was developed in the 1960s. This one was made of tear gas and an irritant agent, such as chloroacetophenone (CN) or chlorobenzylidenemalononitrile (CS). If someone was irritated by mace, their eyes, nose, and respiratory system would be irritated, resulting in temporary incapacitation.
Apparently, the chemical mace that was developed in the 1960s is no longer available. This one was banned because thousands of people got injured. Not only the ones who were sprayed but also the police officers who used it were also injured. Besides, it was not effective for those under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
Nowadays, the term “mace” is used to refer to a brand of self-defense products that actually includes pepper spray. It is like all bandages being called band-aids or all copies being called Xerox. For anyone who is wondering if the original mace product is still being produced, the answer is no. However, there is a modified version of the original version that is commonly referred to as tear gas.
Unlike the original mace, the modified version of mace does not include toxic elements. When someone inhales this chemical substance, their production of tears will increase. In the worst case, they can be temporarily blind. In addition, this new version of mice includes irritants, which can distract the “suspect” and allow the “victim” to escape.
About Pepper Spray
Pepper spray is derived from oleoresin capsicum or OC, which is known as a natural substance found in chili peppers. It has a higher concentration of an active ingredient that has the ability to incapacitate the target called capsaicin. When sprayed, it causes a few things, such as coughing, choking, difficulty breathing comfortably, nausea, burning sensation, swelling of the mucus membranes, and capillaries, causing temporary blindness. When getting sprayed with pepper spray, the “attacker” will feel discomfort and will focus more on the effect of it instead of the “victim”, giving a chance to the “victim” to run away. However, their discomfort will not last long and they will fully recover as it is just a temporary state.
What are the Differences between Mace and Pepper Spray?
Mace and pepper spray have some differences, as follows:
1. Application
Mace and pepper spray can be applied in the same manner. They are liquids that come from a spray or cartridge. All of them have the same function, which is to slow or to stop the “attacker” when they are in action attacking the “victim”.
2. Effectiveness
Pepper spray is effective for being used on anyone, including those who are under the influence of alcohol or drugs. It is because it has a higher concentration of capsaicin. In contrast, mace does not affect those who are under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
3. Legality
In the original version of mace, there was phenacyl chloride or CN. For those who have no idea, it is a product that is used in tear gas. It contains many toxic elements that have been banned. As for the current CN formula for mace, it is illegal in several states in the United States, including Washington D.C., Wisconsin, and Hawaii.
On the other hand, pepper spray is legal in every state in the United States. However, there are some restrictions in some states. For instance, in New York, this one cannot be purchased online.
4. Getting sued
Those who carry pepper spray may be afraid of getting sued by the person that was trying to attack them. Even though there is a possibility of getting sued, using pepper spray is still better, especially in states where mace is not legal. The reason is because pepper spray is legal in all 50 states in the United States and using the legal, non-lethal product for self-defense is a solid legal defense in case you are sued.
Which is Better for Self Defense?
It is actually not easy to answer which is better between mace and pepper spray because the term “mace” is now used as a brand term used to describe self-defense products made to paralyze the “attacker” using a spray or liquid deterrent. It means pepper spray is also counted as mace. However, the mace that is currently known is different compared to pepper spray.
When the current mace and pepper spray are compared, pepper spray wins because it works on anyone, even those who are under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Apart from that, this one is also legal in every state in the United States and the District of Columbia. Basically, it is always better to use pepper spray before moving on to products such as mace.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, both mace and pepper spray can be used for self-defense. All of them are effective. However, pepper spray is better because it has a higher concentration of capsaicin, a substance that works better when used against attackers. When deciding between mace and pepper spray, please consider many things such as individual circumstances, legal considerations, and personal preferences. Keep in mind that self-defense is about personal safety. Make sure to choose the method that is suitable for you.
A bookworm and researcher especially related to law and citizenship education. I spend time every day in front of the internet and the campus library.
