““Pepper Spray — One alternative is to carry “pepper” or OC (Oleoresin Capsaicin) spray. Pepper spray is a derivative of the hot cayenne (chili) peppers containing an oil alkaloid called “capsaicin”. Capsaicin generates a “felt” heat against the skin or mucus membrane (but has no thermal effect). This spicy heat, or piquance, is measured in Scoville Heat Units (SHU). The range of the Scoville heat scale ranges from zero to maximum 16 million (pure capsaicin). Some examples of heat ranges are: Banana peppers – 800 SHU, Cayenne or tabasco pepper – 40,000 SHU, Red Savina habanero (hottest chili pepper) – 450,000 SHU. Most pepper sprays are rated at one to three million SHU.””
