Mace (spray)
Mace is a
tear gas in the form of an
aerosol spray which propels the
lachrymatory mixed with a volatile solvent. It is sometimes used as a
self-defense device. This form of mace is legal in very few countries, thus its use is becoming uncommon.
The original formulation consisted of 1%
CN gas in a solvent of
sec-butanol,
propylene glycol,
cyclohexene, and dipropylene glycol methyl ether. Some formulations now also include
Oleoresin Capsicum (active ingredient in
pepper spray).
Mace was originally manufactured under the name "Chemical Mace" by Lake Erie Chemical (a former division of
Smith & Wesson) in 1962, but is now a registered
trademark of Mace Security International. The Mace sold today by Mace Security International is
pepper spray rather than
tear gas. Many other companies now manufacture similar products.
Due to the current brand-name use of the term "Mace" to refer to pepper sprays and the fact that mace is illegal in most Western countries, it is very difficult to find information on traditional mace. "Mace" and "Pepper Spray" are frequently used interchangeably.
Most law enforcement agencies require that their personnel become certified on similar
aerosol spray devices such as
pepper spray before using them the field. In some agencies, participants must endure a spray directly to the face and open eyes. Chemically inactive versions of the spray are also available for training purposes.
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Mace Security International*
Mace Personal Defense*
US States Where Mace is Restricted for Purchase and Use
