Campus Safety
Practical safety guidance for students, parents, dorm living, walking across campus, commuting, and responsible preparedness.
Read the campus guide about Campus SafetyPOM Resource Center
Pepper spray and personal safety, explained.
Practical guides on everyday carry, travel, state laws and how pepper spray works. Written by the team that makes POM, so you can decide with confidence.
Safety guides
Everyday routines for the places you already go.
Travel Safety
Learn how to think about personal safety while traveling, including airport rules, rideshares, hotels, and state restrictions.
Read the travel guide about Travel Safety
Home Safety
Learn how to build safer routines at home, including entry points, deliveries, parking areas, shared housing, storage, and access.
Read the home guide about Home Safety
Runner Safety
Staying safe on early miles and late runs, with hands-free carry that goes with you.
Read the runner guide about Runner SafetyThe science of pepper spray
Three numbers describe how strong a pepper spray is. Here is what each one means, and where POM lands.
OC · The amount
10%
Oleoresin capsicum is the pepper extract. This is how much of the formula it makes up.
SHU · The potential
2.12M
Scoville Heat Units rate how hot that extract is before it goes into the can.
MC · The measured strength
1.40%
Major capsaicinoids are the heat-producing compounds, measured by lab test. This is the number to compare.
What's inside, drawn to scale
1.40% major capsaicinoids
The rest of the 10% OC
The rest of the formula
The same formula is in every POM pepper spray.
Laws and shipping
Pepper spray laws vary by state, so take a minute to check yours.
Pepper Spray Laws by State
Browse state-by-state pepper spray law summaries, including restrictions, age limits, size limits, shipping rules, and purchasing requirements.
View state lawsShipping Restrictions
We can't currently ship pepper spray to Alaska, Hawaii, Massachusetts, New York, Washington, D.C. or Puerto Rico. See the details and what applies where you live.
Check shipping rulesNew York Update
Learn why POM cannot currently ship pepper spray directly to New York and follow updates on proposed legislation that could expand access.
Read the New York updateKnow your POM
Preparedness isn't just owning the right tool. It's knowing your tool.
How to use your POM
Flip, aim, press.
Coming soon
Flip-top safety
Why it won't go off in your bag.
Coming soon
Choosing a model
Clip, Key, Snap, Runner and MK-3 compared.
Patented design
What makes POM different.
Civilian Training
Learn the fundamentals of responsible pepper spray ownership, including safe carry, access, awareness, deployment considerations, and post-use steps.
OC Instructor Program
Get certified to teach responsible pepper spray carry and use.
Quick answers
What is pepper spray made of?
Pepper spray, also called OC spray, uses oleoresin capsicum: a concentrated extract of chili peppers. Its capsaicinoids cause the burning sensation. Every POM pepper spray uses the same formula: 10% OC, rated 2.12 million SHU, with 1.40% major capsaicinoids.
How long does a POM last?
The expiration date is printed on the bottom of the canister and reflects 4 years from the date of production. We recommend replacing your unit every 2 years for maximum strength and performance, since the pressure in any aerosol drops over time, used or not.
Can I bring pepper spray on a plane?
Not in your carry-on. In most cases you can pack it in a checked bag, but check your airline's and the TSA's current rules before you fly, and the laws where you land. Read our guide to flying with pepper spray.
Which states can POM ship to?
We ship to most of the U.S. We can't currently ship pepper spray to Alaska, Hawaii, Massachusetts, New York, Washington, D.C. or Puerto Rico. See shipping restrictions.
How should I store my POM?
Keep it in a cool, dry place out of reach of children. Don't store it above 120°F or below 32°F, so a hot or freezing car isn't a good spot.
Still have a question? Contact us. A real person on our team will get back to you.
