While
many areas do not regulate the sale or use of pepper spray, some countries and
states prohibit its usage against humans, others allow people at least eighteen
years of age, and others permit it solely for usage against dangerous animals.
PAVA is commercially available in two forms,Captor I and Captor II. Captor I
contains 0.3% PAVA with a solvent of equal parts ethanol and water.Captor II
contains 0.3% PAVA with propylene glycol,water, and ethanol (Hilmas et al.,
2009).
PAVA
spray is dispensed from a hand-held canister in a liquid stream. The propellant
is nitrogen. PAVA is significantly more potent than CS. The liquid stream is a spray
pattern and has a maximum effective range of up to 4 meters. Maximum accuracy,
however, will be achieved over a distance of 1.25 - 2 meters. PAVA primarily
affects the eyes causing closure and severe pain.
In
order for PAVA to be effective, it must get into the eyes. The pain to the eyes
is reported to be higher than that caused by CS. The effects are immediate but
will subside 15–20 min after exposure to fresh air. The effectiveness of PAVA is
not guaranteed, however, against those under the influence of alcohol and the
Smith et al. study mentions a number of cases where PAVA was used without
effect.
