How NOT To Test Pepper Spray

We received in a new shipment of pepper spray earlier this morning.  As I state at the top of VigilantPPS.com, I won't sell a product to anyone that I would not recommend to a family member.  So, I wanted to test the trajectory of the spray.  I went into the kitchen at the office, and ran the water in the sink.  I shot the pepper spray directly into the drain.

  

The good news is the spray was powerful for the miniature canister size.  The bad news (for me) is that apparently pepper spray forms a vapor cloud.  Looking into the sink, I breathed in a small amount of the pepper spray vapor.  HOLY COW!  

The active ingredient in pepper spray is capsaicin, which is a chemical derived from the fruit of plants in the Capsicum genus, including chilis.  Upon direct contact with eyes, respiratory system and mucous membranes, the active ingredients in the pepper spray will cause eyes to slam shut, coughing, and an intense burning sensation to the skin.

Fortunately for me, I did not take a direct blast to the face.  Just breathing this vapor in caused eye irritation, caused my throat to temporarily begin to feel like it was closing, and left a residual headache I am still feeling a few hours later.  Needless to say, the pepper spray we are about to launch will be an effective companion for self defense.

We probably won't have this on the market for a few weeks.  We need to find a case we can sell with this to ensure that the trigger won't accidentally discharge in your purse.  Once we find a decent travel case, we'll get it into the VigilantPPS.com store.  If you want to be notified when we launch it, shoot an email to orders@vigilantpps.com and we will let you know when we're ready to go.  

Just make sure, if you decide to test it, that you do it outside.  :-)

- Dave with VigilantPPS