The two biggest differences between tear
gas spray and pepper spray are their chemical makeup and delivery methods. Pepper spray (sometimes referred to as "OC spray") is a combination
of natural chemicals, whereas tear gas (also called "CS gas") comes
from man-made compounds. Learn more about the different effects of each type of
spray.
Tear Gas Spray and Pepper Spray: Compare
and Contrast
Pepper spray and tear gas spray are both
non-lethal irritants commonly used in self-defense and crowd control. While
some people use the terms interchangeably, it is important to note that tear
gas and pepper spray are not the same product, and each has its own unique
chemical distinctions.
Pepper Spray
Chemical makeup: The active ingredient in
pepper spray is Oleoresin Capsicum (OC). OC is not a
man-made chemical, it is created from the active compound in hot peppers,
capsaicin.
Delivery methods: Pepper spray has 5
delivery methods: stream, cone mist, fogger, foam, and gel.
Stream: The stream method has the largest
range, which enables you to keep a significant distance between you and your
attacker. Apex Self Defense Products compares the stream method as similar to
that of a garden hose -- “a lot of pepper spray being forced through a small
opening in short amount of time.”
Cone mist: The cone mist method dispenses
pepper spray in a wide circular range, similar to that of a hair spray aerosol
can.
Fogger. Similar to the stream method, the
fogger creates a spray pattern. However, the spray pattern used in a fogger is
made up of finer droplets that can linger in the air longer.
Foam. Pepper foam looks like shaving cream
and can completely cover the face of your attacker. Its range is around 8 to 10
feet.
Gel. Similar to pepper foam, pepper gel is
used to cover an attacker’s face. The consistency is sticky and glue-like.
Physical Effects: Uncontrollable watering
of the eyes, extreme burning of the eyes and nose, temporary blindness, nasal
and sinus discharge, burning of the skin, increase in blood pressure. In most
cases, the symptoms of pepper spray last no longer than 45-60 minutes.
Tear Gas Spray
Chemical makeup: The active chemical
compounds found in tear gas are most commonly 0-Chlorobenzylidenemalononitrile
(CS) or 2-chlorobenzalmalononitrile (CN). Often referred to as CS or CN gas, it
is important to note that CS and CN are not gasses, but are synthetic organic
halogen compounds that have a powder-like consistency at room temperature.
Delivery methods: The most common delivery
method of tear gas is CS or CN “grenades” which explode and release the
compound into the air.
Physical effects: Extreme burning of the
nose, eyes, and throat, involuntary closing of the eyes, coughing, rise in
blood pressure, mucus secretion, nausea, and vomiting. In most cases, the
symptoms of tear gas spray subside within 30 minutes.
Tear Gas Vs. Pepper Spray : The
Aftereffects
The only thing more terrifying than being
tear gassed or pepper sprayed is being tear gassed or pepper sprayed in your
own home or place of business. When it comes to the aftereffects of a CS, CN,
or CO attack, one thing is true for all: you will need professional help to
clean up the mess.
Even after the physical effects to your
body have worn off, the physical effects to your property will still require
remediation. Sites that have not been properly cleaned after a tear gas spray
or pepper spray incident can harbor CS, CN or CO and cause ongoing symptoms for
current or future residents.
Aftermath uses state-of-the-art technology and strict control procedures
to carefully wash affected surfaces, and remove damaged walls, floors, and
surface coverings to restore your property to a healthy state.
