What types of self defense sprays are there?
There are three major types of defense sprays. The first two are CS and CN. Both of these are chemical compounds, commonly used as riot control agents. CS has basically replaced CN over the years. These manmade chemicals are irritants to the membrane (eyes, nose, throat, and lung) tissues. In large quantities, they cause heavy flow of tears and produce mucus. The third chemical is OC (Oleoresin Capsicum), commonly known as pepper spray. OC is an lachrymatory agent (a chemical compound that irritates the eyes to cause tears, pain, and even temporary blindness) that is used in riot control, crowd control, and personal self-defense, including defense against dogs and bears. OC has become more popular over the years due to the fact that it has been proven more effective than its predecessors.
