• September 19, 2021

Does pepper spray have a shelf life?

In fact, pepper spray has a shelf life. The average shelf life of a pepper spray is usually around 3 to 4 years. Most defense sprays have an expiration date stamped on the container. The effectiveness of a pepper spray is derived primarily from its chemical compound OC or Oleoresin Capsicum. OC is a natural chemical made up of various hot pepper plants, hence the name Pepper Spray. Although OC will not degrade over time, an expired canister may not spray as much as expected, and in some cases the unit may not fully spray. An aerosol that is maintained beyond its useful life has the potential for the aerosol propellant to leak out and make the aerosol less effective. Leaks are especially common in smaller type sprays, such as the keychain and pocket versions.

Since the chemical potency of pepper spray is vital to its effectiveness, it is strongly recommended to replace a spray well before its expiration date. It is also advisable to test your spray can periodically and at least once every 6 months. A simple test would only require a one-second burst to be sprayed outdoors and upwind to avoid self-contamination. A regular inspection of the expiration date and general condition of an aerosol will always ensure that a powerful and reliable protective device is available when needed. When the time for replacement is set, the old OC spray can is a great training and practice tool. It is always a good idea to place a target outdoors and practice spraying the old spray to test the target and gain confidence when using a defense spray in a real life situation.

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