Comparative examination of pepper-spray canister for self-protection

Purpose. To analyze the assortment and to conduct a comparative examination of the consumer properties of pepper-spray canister for self-protection, which are realized on the Ukrainian market. Method. During the study methods of analysis, generalization and comparison were used. Results. It was established that pepper-spray canisters belong to special means for selfprotection filled with tear and irritant action substances. The production, sale and use of pepperspray canisters are regulated at the legislative level. Pepper-spray canisters are classified depending on the type of spraying and influence effect on a living organism. The comparative characteristic of advantages and disadvantages of pepper-spray canisters have been presented. The symptoms of human exposure to various active substances of pepper-spray canisters in the case of it use have been described. The study found that at Ukrainian market represented wide range of pepper-spray canisters of different manufacturers, types, composition, purpose etc. The comparative estimation of pepper-spray canisters for self-protection of domestic and foreign production was conducted by the parameters of the spraying type, the character of the impact on a living organism, the active substance in the composition, the cylinder volume, the time of continuous spraying, the distance of effective application, the size of the package. It was established that pepper-spray canisters with different types of sprays are represented on the market, but aerosol models are predominant. Most of the studied samples are positioned as models with a combined effect on a living organism. As an active ingredient in most studied samples (trademarks Saber Red, Klever Pepper KO, "Pepper") contains capsaicin. In the assortment of all manufacturers represented pepper-spray canisters of different volume, mass, size. The distance of pepper-spray canisters effective use of the brands Saber Red and Klever Pepper KO is higher compared to domestic "Pepper", "Teren", "Cobra". The longest continuous spraying time has the Saber Red model. Manufacturer Saber expands range of pepper-spray canisters due to models with additional amenities for different categories of consumers: cyclists, supporters of jogging etc. Separate Saber models contain a marking dye in their composition. Scientific novelty. The data on the assortment are summarized and estimation of consumer properties of pepper-spray canister for self-protection have been conducted. Practical significance. Recommendations on the choice by consumers of pepper-spray canister which are realized on the Ukrainian market have been developed

means of self-protection; pepper-spray canister; assortment; consumer properties