Pepper spray is significantly more effective than Mace and is regarded as safer and less toxic than tear gas, according to a 2001 study by the U.S. Department of Justice.
Developed in 1973, pepper spray, which is made from the oily extract of the cayenne pepper plant, was first used by FBI personnel and U.S. mail carriers. It wasn't until the late 1980s that it was made available to law enforcement and the general public.
According to the study, aside from general irritation, pepper spray causes involuntary tearing and closing of the eyes, temporary paralysis of the larynx and uncontrollable coughing and gasping for air.
Albuquerque Police Department Det. Jeff Arbogast said that pepper spray is an effective, non-lethal option that can be used in a situation requiring less than deadly force.
"We take every measure to end situations as quickly as possible with the least amount of collateral damage," Arbogast said. "Pepper spray is an effective means of doing that, especially when dealing with mass crowds, when the intent is to lower the potential for violence and protect the safety of the general public without seriously injuring anyone."
Arbogast added that APD only advocates a level of force equal to the aggression and hostility that an officer is faced with.
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According to the study, aside from a slight increase in blood pressure or body temperature, self-defense sprays produce no significant risk in terms of respiratory and pulmonary functions and that the best immediate treatment is exposure to fresh air.
"Millions are sold annually," said Marie Walker, executive assistant of sales for Johnson Enterprises, a self-defense spray retailer. "We sell mostly to women and college students or men who are buying it for women they know."
Walker said chemical sprays are the best self-defense because they are not lethal. She added, however, that due to the severity of the pain and partial blockage of the respiratory system that may occur, pepper sprays have been repeatedly tested by medical agencies and universities for any long-term effects.
