The term defense spray refers to sprayable irritants that are effective against both humans and other mammals.
General information about defense sprays
In most cases, this is
CS gas (tear gas, 2-chlorobenzylidenemalonic acid dinitrile) or
pepper spray (OC gas, which stands for oleoresin capsicum). Which of the two defense sprays should or can be preferred depends on the range of applications and the legal situation. There is also the old variant of tear gas, CN gas (chloroacetophenone). CN gas is considered the oldest chemical warfare agent and was developed in the 19th century. Like CS gas, it is absorbed through the eyes and upper respiratory tract, which leads to a burning sensation in the mucous membranes, nose and throat, as well as watery eyes. However, CS gas is considered to be much more effective (and dangerous) than CN gas and is only surpassed in its effectiveness by pepper spray.
Defense spray & German law
Defense sprays are available in two main types: CS gas and pepper spray. Unlike pepper spray, CS gas can also be used officially for self-defense against people. This is why the usual warning for OC gas that the spray is only intended to ward off animals is missing. The use of defense spray primarily serves the purpose of offering the person being attacked a certain amount of protection, while causing the attacker as little but effective physical impairment as possible. This is to ensure that the defense is proportionate. In direct comparison, OC gas is considered to be the stronger gas, which can have a strong effect even on less sensitive people. Since CS gas acts on the pain center, its effect can be significantly reduced by a reduced sensation of pain, as can occur under the influence of alcohol, for example. Nevertheless, attackers who are hit by CS gas cannot open their eyes for at least five minutes.
Tips and important additional information on defense spray
All defense sprays have a minimum range of 1.5 meters. However, there are also sprays available on the market that can achieve a much greater range. High effectiveness is achieved by a correspondingly high concentration of the active ingredient, which is why the spray cone should be as narrow as possible. At a distance of 1.5 meters, the spray cone should also not be wider than twice the diameter of a face. Compared to OC gas, tear gas (CN and CS gas) has the disadvantage that its effect depends on the condition of the attacker. People who are under the influence of alcohol can tolerate a comparatively high dose of the irritant used before their actions are noticeably impaired. When it comes to repelling dogs, a mixture of CN and CS gas has been shown to be the most effective. Some suppliers therefore offer exactly this mixture as a special dog defense spray.
Questions: Defense spray
Is pepper spray/defense spray prohibited?
Both the sale and possession of pepper spray and CS gas is permitted in Germany. However, this only applies under the proviso that the pepper spray-filled irritant spray devices are only used against animals. Pepper sprays are therefore always printed with the note "Only for defense against animals". In emergency situations (e.g. in self-defense in the event of a physical attack), however, it is legitimate to use OC gas against people.
Why do defense sprays burn on contact?
Exposure to OC gas (pepper spray) stimulates pain-sensing sensory cells in afferent nerve cells. This results in the release of the neurotransmitter substance P, which leads to acute membrane depolarization.
Got pepper spray, what to do?
Anyone who has been exposed to pepper spray should remove the irritant as quickly as possible. To do this, you need to rinse the affected areas with cold water for 10 to 15 minutes. This closes the pores and prevents further absorption of the substance. In addition, affected clothing should be removed. Sore skin should be treated with soap. Then rinse with cold water. The same procedure is also recommended if you have been exposed to CS gas.
