When it comes to protecting yourself in a dangerous situation, having a reliable non-lethal self-defense tool can save your life. HERO® specializes in creating innovative self-defense products that are powerful, safe, and designed to handle real-world threats. A key component of these products is the proprietary irritant formula, known for its incredible efficiency in immobilizing potential threats without causing long-term harm.

But just how “hot” are HERO® irritants? Learn the science behind the heat, what makes HERO® products stand out, and why these features matter when choosing the right self-defense tool for you.

Scoville Heat Units (SHU): The Measurement of Heat

When we talk about “heat” in relation to irritants, we’re not talking about actual temperature. Heat is a measure of the intensity of the burning sensation caused by certain chemicals, often derived from peppers. This intensity is measured in Scoville Heat Units (SHU), a metric originally developed to evaluate the spiciness of chili peppers.

A Brief History of the Scoville Scale

The Scoville scale, named after its creator, Wilbur Scoville, was introduced in 1912. Scoville’s test involved diluting an extract of the pepper until the “heat” could no longer be detected by tasters. While this method was subjective, it laid the groundwork for modern techniques like High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC), which measures the concentration of capsaicinoids—the active chemicals responsible for spiciness and irritation.

SHU in the Self-Defense Industry

For self-defense, SHUs provide a benchmark to gauge the potency of an irritant. However, raw SHU numbers can be misleading. For example, a product with high SHUs may not necessarily be effective due to dilution during the manufacturing process. 

Major Capsaicinoids

HERO® goes beyond SHU and relies on Major Capsaicinoid (MC) content, the most accurate measure of an irritant’s strength and effectiveness. High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) testing measures this heat level. There are six major capsaicinoids the HPLC test measures. PAVA (Pelargonylvanillylamide) and Capsaicin are two of the major capsaicinoids, and the hottest.

The Incredible Heat of HERO® Irritants

HERO® uses PAVA, a synthetic capsaicinoid, as the active ingredient in its self-defense products. Unlike traditional pepper spray, PAVA is lab-created to ensure consistent potency and reliability. HERO® irritants are formulated with 1.33% Major Capsaicinoids—among the highest available in the non-lethal defense market.

Why PAVA Makes a Difference

Unlike traditional pepper sprays derived from natural peppers, PAVA offers several key advantages:

• Consistency – Each batch delivers the same high level of potency.
• Efficiency – PAVA activates pain receptors in a way that is more incapacitating than natural capsaicinoids.
• Reliability – Trusted by law enforcement and military personnel worldwide.

Additionally, HERO® measures the amount of spray content per burst, another critical factor often overlooked in other products. This ensures maximum coverage and impact with every use.

Factors Influencing Perceived Heat

Deployment Method

The way an irritant is delivered—spray pattern, distance, and accuracy—plays a significant role in its effectiveness. HERO® products are engineered for precision and ease of use, ensuring maximum delivery to the target.

Environmental Conditions

Weather can also affect an irritant’s performance. Wind can cause spray to drift away from the target, while colder temperatures could reduce dispersal efficiency. HERO® accounts for these conditions in our product designs:

• Payload formats like powder filled projectiles and heavy gels ensure irritants are delivered directly to the target.
• Temperature stable Nitrogen powers every shot with reliable performance.

HERO® Irritant Effects

If you’re targeted by a HERO® product, you’ll experience immediate and intense physical discomfort. This is how PAVA works to incapacitate an attacker:

• Burning Sensation – A painful, fiery sting in the eyes, skin, and mucous membranes.
• Temporary Blindness – Eyes involuntarily shut, with tears and swelling.
• Respiratory Difficulty – Choking and uncontrollable coughing.
• Disorientation – The intensity of these effects creates confusion and reduces the attacker’s ability to act.

Despite its strength, HERO® irritants are non-lethal, and their effects are temporary. If you’re exposed, flush the affected area with cold water and avoid rubbing your skin to minimize irritation.

HERO® Product Spotlight

HERO® offers a range of products powered by PAVA to meet diverse self-defense needs: