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Tuesday, March 9, 2010

Self Defense My Way!

Warning! Use your own head when thinking about using this! 


This was sent far and wide by email:

A woman who is a receptionist in a church in a high risk area was
concerned about someone coming into the office on Monday to rob them. When they were counting the collection. She asked the local police department about using pepper spray and they recommended to her that she get a can of wasp spray instead.



The wasp spray, they told her, can shoot up to twenty feet away and is a lot more accurate, while with the pepper spray, they have to get too close to you and could overpower you. The wasp spray temporarily blinds an attacker until they get to the hospital for an antidote.
She keeps a can on her desk in the office and it doesn't attract
attention from people like a can of pepper spray would. She also keeps one nearby at home for home protection.

A can of Wasp spray will typically shoot 20 to 30 feet; so if someone tries to break into your home, you can hit them with the jet from quite a ways away.

Now, some folks don't think it's what we should do, stating that some of the statements about pepper spray are inaccurate in the Canadian context. While it is legal in all 50 states, pepper spray is considered a prohibited weapon in Canada and its authorized use by the RCMP has been highly controversial. An in-depth analysis is at:


http://www.cbc.ca/news/background/tasers/pepper-spray.html


The pyrethin used in wasp spray is a neurotoxin, and in most jurisdictions using it for anything other than its intended purpose is illegal. The last line of the email, "it's perfectly legal", is misleading. It's perfectly legal to use it on wasps. Keeping it for the deliberate purpose of spraying a person is apt to be viewed in Canada as a premeditated assault with a prohibited weapon.

(Another good Canadian Law! We're supposed to stand back and ask in a polite voice: "Oh please sir, don't hurt me!) 

Taken from the Raid website:




Ok! Here's all the warnings....
Caution:
Harmful if absorbed through the skin. Avoid contact with skin, eyes or clothing. Wash thoroughly with soap and water after handling. Remove all exposed food and cooking utensils. Cover all food handling surfaces or wash thoroughly after treatment and before use. Do not use on edible crops. Do not apply to pets or contaminate feed, foodstuffs, dishes or utensils. Avoid spraying vegetation directly. Avoid excessive wetting of asphalt.



First aid: If on skin or clothing, take off contaminated clothing. Rinse skin immediately with plenty of water for 15-20 minutes. Call a poison control center or doctor for treatment advice. If swallowed, immediately call a poison control center or doctor. Do not induce vomiting unless told to do so by a poison control center or doctor. Do not give any liquid to the person. Do not give anything by mouth to an unconscious person. Have the product container or label with you when calling a poison control center or doctor, or going for treatment. You may also contact 800-558- 5252 for emergency medical treatment information. Note to physician: contains petroleum distillate—vomiting may cause aspiration pneumonia.


Physical or chemical hazards: Extremely flammable. Contents under pressure. Keep away from fire, sparks, and heated surfaces. Do not puncture or incinerate container. Exposure to temperatures above 130ºF may cause bursting.


Environmental hazards: This product is extremely toxic to fish. Do not apply to water.


Questions? Comments?


If you have a question or comment about Raid ®, please contact our Consumer Relationship Center at 1-800-494-4855.

6 comments:

I'm mostly known as 'MA' said...

I've often thought a can of hair spray might work just as well.

Sniffles and Smiles said...

Wow!!!! Fascinating! I never would have thought of that...but glad to know all about this...the dangers and the prohibitions...Really informative!!! Thank you!! You always write such extremely interesting posts!!! Love it!~Janine XO

Unknown said...

Interesting; sounds like you're pretty much on your own for self-defense in Canada!

Formerly known as Frau said...

Wow Learning something new!

DJan said...

Yikes! I think I'll stay away from the wasp spray. It sounds really wicked.

Jayne said...

Boy, makes you think twice about using the wasp spray, even on wasps nests...yikes.