Certain individuals for self-defense and personal security sometimes use Mace and pepper sprays. Although many laypersons use the terms interchangeably, Mace and pepper spray are not the same thing. Mace is actually a brand name, while pepper spray refers to the general product used to irritate ones eyes.

The products often come in small, compact cans that are lightweight and easy to conceal. They can fit into a persons jacket pocket or purse, or in the glove compartment of a car. They are designed for convenience, practicality, and effectiveness. They are ideal for a person who wants personal security and peace of mind with minimum hassle. There are even small jogger sized containers available for purchase, as well as Mace brand pepper spray guns. No matter what your needs, there is likely a product out there that is tailored to you.

Law enforcement personnel have relied upon these agents for a long time. The appeal is that, when properly used, pepper spray works to subdue a person without causing any serious or lasting damage. While professionals use the product in the course of their work, it can also be useful for those individuals who may be vulnerable to an attack. Perhaps it gives such people the courage to go about their everyday lives without fearing that they will fall victim to a criminal.

One does not need excessive strength, physical fitness, or agility to use pepper spray. The same extensive training that one must undergo in order to use a gun is not necessary. If one relies on a knife or gun for self-protection, there is always a risk that one may be overpowered by the assailant, and the weapon will be used against the victim. Pepper spray, when properly used, will immobilize the assailant by temporarily blinding him or her. For this reason, there is not the same type of risk associated with pepper spray as with other weapons.

It is important to remember that pepper spray can be considered a weapon. It is not a toy, and should only be used under serious circumstances. One should never assail another person with pepper spray, because there can be serious legal consequences from doing so. It is only acceptable to use pepper spray in self-defense, if the situation is serious enough to warrant doing so. Pepper spray usually does not cause any lasting damage, and the effects typically wear off within minutes or hours. However, it important to remember that it causes intense eye pain, and can result in temporary blindness.

The legality of pepper spray varies from country to country. It is regarded as a prohibited weapon and banned in some countries. In other countries, one must simply be over eighteen years of age to legally purchase such products. In the United States, the legality and availability of different types of pepper spray vary from state to state. If you live in the United States and are considering purchasing pepper spray, it is important to familiarize yourself with your state?s law, as well as the laws of any state to which you may be travelling.