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The market is full of crazy things, and when it comes to self-defense, many people consider some pretty strange alternatives. Of course, not all of them work. Pepper sprays, oils, or gels are effective self-defense weapons against attackers. Hit someone in the face with it, and they’ll likely be out of action. However, some people like to store their pepper spray for years without using it.
When this is the case, does pepper spray expire? It depends on what type of pepper spray you use, but we’ll cover that in this article. To answer the question, yes, pepper spray does expire within a specific time window. The usual recommendation for pepper spray is about three years; although it can vary based on the brand and type of pepper spray that you purchase.
It’s important to note that, in general, pepper sprays are made from an oil-based solution; this means that they do not evaporate or “go bad” as quickly as some other types of sprays might. However, the active ingredients in any pepper spray—whether it’s a water-based or an oil-based solution—will eventually degrade over time. That’s why most manufacturers recommend replacing your pepper spray every three years.
What Happens When Pepper Spray Expires?
You are in your dorm room, and a stranger has just kicked in your door. You reach into your handbag for your pepper spray, but nothing happens when you flick it open. Suddenly you realize that you forgot to replace the expired canister. What do you do?
Pepper spray is an excellent self-defense tool because it is non-lethal, effective at disabling an attacker from a long distance, and generally easy to use. You should have some ready wherever you go. But not just any old kind will do; for example, did you know that the expiration date for pepper spray can vary from three to five years depending on its brand and formulation?
It is also essential to make sure that you store your pepper spray at temperatures between 40- and 120-degrees Fahrenheit. If your pepper spray is exposed to temperatures outside of this range, it may become too cold or too hot to safely use when the time comes.
And what happens when pepper spray expires? It loses its potency!
The active ingredients in pepper spray start to break down as soon as they’re expelled from the canister. When it comes to shelf life and potency, that’s another way of saying that the active ingredients have an expiration date. That date depends on where you store the canister. Someplace cool and dry is best. Pepper spray will eventually lose its potency no matter where you store it. It may not happen overnight or even in a few months, but it will happen eventually unless you take steps to prevent it.
Why Does Pepper Spray Expire?
Pepper spray expiration dates are not arbitrary. They are there to ensure that the product will work as intended.
After some time, pepper spray canisters may lose pressure and potentially leak, rendering them ineffective in an emergency. In addition, over time, pepper spray products lose strength, making them less effective at deterring an attacker.
Pepper spray products should be regularly maintained to ensure they are fully functional and ready to use. If a product is outside of its expiration date, it should be replaced with a fresh canister to ensure safety in the event of an attack.
The best way to maintain your pepper spray is by keeping it in a cool, dark place that does not get too hot or freeze. When you purchase pepper spray, you should immediately write the purchase date on the label to keep track of when the product expires.
What Are The Benefits Of Keeping Pepper Spray Handy?
Simply put, pepper spray makes you safer. When you’re out by yourself, it can give you peace of mind to have a way to protect yourself if needed. If you’re walking home from work at night and hear footsteps behind you, having pepper spray on hand can help you feel more confident that you can safely get back to your apartment. When an attacker tries to take advantage of a woman’s smaller size, pepper spray provides a quick way for her to escape and get away safely.
Pepper spray can also be used when someone grabs your purse or tries to take something from you forcibly. When the attacker gets sprayed in the eyes, they won’t be able to see well enough to continue the attack. So it will give them time to run off or for you to alert a passerby or call for help.
Another benefit is that you could use pepper spray in your own home if you are attacked there. For instance, maybe you are doing laundry in the basement when someone breaks into your house and comes downstairs to attack you. You could use pepper spray again to get away from this person.
Other benefits include protecting friends or family members if they are attacked while they are with you or if they are attacked near you but are not able to defend themselves. You could also use pepper spray as a deterrent in other situations where someone is threatening your safety but not necessarily attacking you yet.
Pepper spray can be used as a self-defense tool, but it’s also easy to carry and store. It’s also usually legal in most places. If you are concerned about the legalities of carrying pepper spray, you can quickly look them up online. If pepper spray is legal where you live, it’s generally easy to purchase and carry. You can keep one on your keychain or even in your purse or pocket.
If someone approaches you intending to harm you, pepper spray can be a great line of defense against a physical attack. Using pepper spray will cause temporary blindness and breathing issues for an assailant. Giving you time to run away or seek help from others around you.
You shouldn’t have to live in fear when you’re out in public. Carrying something as simple as pepper spray can help give you the peace of mind that comes with knowing that, in a threatening situation, you’ll be able to defend yourself.
Conclusion
It is not a matter of the expiration date on the cans of pepper spray, but rather how old the ingredients are in the can itself. If you have a gas-type pepper spray, you may notice a change in its effectiveness after about five years. The most effective spray to look for would be one that does not require propellant.
If you’re in danger from a dangerous attacker, don’t think twice and spray him with pepper spray. If you feel threatened but aren’t sure whether or not you are, it might be a good idea to err on caution and prepare to fight back. Whether you’re just worried about some pesky guy at the bar trying to talk to you, well…don’t carry pepper spray! (we’re only half-kidding.)
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