Self-defense is protecting your own self when you feel unsafe. It can be because of people around you or your environment where you feel the need to secure yourself.

The force used in self-defense should not be an empty verbal threat it should be sufficient to protect from any apparent harm or to halt any danger from attack but cannot be an excuse to continue the attack or use excessive force. Let’s dive into three most common tear gases.

Can you use CN and CS gas for self defense?

CN and CS are irritants. They irritate mucous membranes in the eyes nose, mouth and lungs and causes tearing, sneezing and coughing etc.

CN is ineffective as a self-defense tool or it can be used in a mild situation where you do not have to encounter violent attackers under narcotics and alcohol influence as the reaction time is fairly slow as well. CS works better as compared to CN.

They are not available for the public as they can be toxic and cause vomiting and choking. Both are ineffective against dogs as they lack lacrimal glands.

Pepper spray

Pepper spray is an inflammatory agent that causes inflammation in the eyes, nose, and mouth. Its effect is more debilitating, but you have to hit it, someone, directly for it to be effective. This makes it more useful for self-defense against an individual. It is also useful against dogs and bears.

Pepper spray is the most distressing yet most effective weapon for self-defense. It should be sprayed directly eyes or inhaled to be most effective. It can cause coughing choking, nausea, and temporary blindness.

Can you use pepper spray for Self defense?

I believe capsicum spray can be used as a self-defense weapon if the person carrying the weapon is well aware of the weapon and knows when there is an actual need of it. For example, women in most countries feel unsafe to work late and want to carry a weapon for their security from fear of assault.

It can be used as an excellent distractor when used by surprise, gives the person using it time to get away. Pepper spray can be used as a self-defense tool to fight off a fighter but none of these tear gases does not guarantee to stop power or cause paralysis as the person can still be reactive. But it is ineffective on drug addicts.

What’s the real story?

There should be proper training sessions for people who want to buy these weapons and should be given proper instructions. Yet, many casual users end up spraying it on themselves their children or their pets. So, they should be handled with care.

Tear gas can be used for self-defense, but some things should be taken into account. A person carrying it is absolutely clear of the reason they want to carry it and are properly trained by professionals before purchasing it and it should be kept out of reach of children.