Just a couple of days ago, an MS member archer_com_2000 wrote a beautiful review on self defence for women. She highlighted a novel and useful product called Cobra Spray in the review. A little bit of online research took me to a website www.cobraspray.com. I was startled to find that the FAQ section of the said website contained exactly the same paragraphs which were written by archer. Archer and cobraspray.com appeared to be united in their beliefs that salvation for women had finally arrived within their grasps. Not convinced? Check this out.

http://www.cobraspray.com/faq.htm

Had your laughs? Now its time for some bitter truths.

Oleoresin capsaicin is not that harmless a product as it is made out to be. Deaths have been reported following the use of this product. Over 70 in-custody deaths in the USA have involved the use of OC spray during arrest efforts. Death from OC spray is painful and terrible. It feels like two burning cigarettes have been pushed into your eyeballs. The victim becomes breathless and is at the risk of dying if not attended to immediately. UK is at present seriously considering banning OC sprays. The US Consumer Product Safety Commission has labelled OC spray as a hazardous substance under the Federal Hazardous Substance Act. Most of the western human rights bodies have categorically stated that OC spray should remain in the armamentarium of law enforcement and corrections officers only, that too with medical assistance by the side.

Self defence for women is a sensitive issue. Its really unfortunate that we all have dealt with this in a frivolous manner. God forbid if someone uses this product inadvertantly or in jest. Human life is at stake here.



Feb. 23, 2008  5.00 PM
Its good to see that Archer_com_2000 has researched the potentially lethal hazards of OC sprays. Here is Archer's own admission (in the reply section):

"Ok Sudipto, I checked out about the death and ban of pepper spray.
The deaths have been when police have sprayed culprits and made them lie on the floor on their back. The water from the nose got into the forhead and caused drowning like effect.
In UK its banned as it was misused by their police force.
In Canada, its sold against animal use only. But still people buy it for their saftey usage."


UK. A responsible nation. Its police force - The British Police and the Scotland Yard. Held guilty of MISUSING OC sprays against their OWN people. Get the point?


Now I think you have a balanced view. The final judgement is yours.