Stun guns and pepper spray are essential tools for self-defense. Both can incapacitate an attacker without the dangers and legal implications of a firearm. Although both are considered safe to use, they have wildly different effects on the body and can even cause serious harm in rare cases. However, these serious effects are uncommon and should not deter the usage of these potentially life-saving tools.
Stun Gun's Effect on the Body
Stun guns work by creating a high-voltage arc of electricity between two prongs on the end of the device. When this comes into contact with skin, it sends the electricity through the body and interferes with the electrical impulses that the brain uses to control the muscles throughout the body. The electrical current also overworks the muscles, causing them to instantly burn up their reserve supplies of energy, which makes it difficult for the person affected by the stun gun to move for several minutes. Disorientation is also a common effect of being shocked by a stun gun.
Dangers of Stun Guns
Although stun guns conduct high voltage electricity, the amperage is low. This means that stun guns are relatively safe to use. Deaths from being hit by a stun gun's shock are rare. Since stun guns work by passing electricity through the body, stun guns may be fatal to those with heart conditions, especially if the stun gun is used on them repeatedly. Children may also be at elevated risk if shocked by a stun gun.
Pepper Spray's Effect on the Body
Pepper spray is derived from the juice of cayenne peppers and combined with an aerosol so it can be sprayed. Being hit in the eyes with pepper spray can cause instant, excruciating pain and cause the affected person to involuntarily close their eyes and even become temporarily blind. This burning sensation may last anywhere from 15 minutes to an hour. Spray is often accidentally inhaled and will serve to irritate the nose and throat.
Dangers of Pepper Spray
The effects of pepper spray may be greatly heightened when used on the elderly. Pepper spray's effects on the respiratory system may severely impair breathing, especially in those with pre-existing medical conditions. If too much pepper spray gets into the digestive system, it may cause mild digestive problems, even after other effects of the pepper spray have worn off. Since pepper spray is derived from hot peppers, it may trigger allergic reactions in people who are allergic to peppers.
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