Pepper Spray vs Mace Chemical Differences
On the chemical differences between pepper spray and metz tear gas
People in the world often mix pepper spray and metz tear gas as one thing. In fact, the two have very different chemical compositions and characteristics, which cannot be ignored.
Pepper spray, the main component is derived from capsaicin plants, such as capsaicin. This is a natural chemical. When sprayed out, it touches the skin, eyes or respiratory tract, causing strong irritation immediately. In the eyes, it can cause severe pain, tears, and instantly blurred vision; in the skin, it feels hot and tingling, like fire; in the respiratory tract, causing coughing and breathing difficulties. Because of its natural origin, for most people, although the irritation is strong, short-term irritation rarely leaves long-term damage.
In contrast, Metz tear gas is mainly composed of chemically synthesized substances, such as chloroacetophenone (CN) or o-chlorophenylmethylenemalononitrile (CS). Such synthetic chemicals also have strong stimulating effects. Once in contact with the human body, the eyes will be sharply congested, painful, tears will spring, and vision will be seriously damaged; the skin will be red, swollen and itchy, causing allergies and other discomfort; the respiratory tract is affected by it, causing severe coughing, asthma, and may even cause some degree of damage to the respiratory mucosa. Unlike pepper spray, Metz tear gas may remain in the environment or the human body in some cases due to its chemosynthetic properties, causing longer-term effects.
From this perspective, although pepper spray and Metz tear gas both have the effect of controlling enemies and self-defense, their chemical differences are significant. Users should be aware of their characteristics, make careful choices according to specific situations and needs, and achieve the best use effect and minimize potential risks.
