The party scene is changing.
Recent reports indicate that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is stepping up its efforts against “poppers,” a recreational drug that’s gained popularity among the LGBTQ+ community. Traditionally sold as cleaning solvents or nail polish removers, poppers are made from alkyl nitrates and have skirted legal issues for years. However, this might be coming to an end.
This week, Double Scorpio, a Texas-based poppers manufacturer, halted its operations after a search and seizure by the FDA. The company recently removed most of its online presence and thanked customers for their support over the past eight years, mentioning the uncertainty in the industry.
Other brands are following suit. Producers like Pac-West Distributing and Nitro-Solv have also gone silent. Even AFAB Industrial, a significant player in the poppers market, has disappeared, which is particularly striking given that its owner, Everett Farr, claimed in 2021 to control around 75% of the market.
Poppers are often sold in small bottles at gas stations and sex shops, where they are used for their euphoric and muscle-relaxing effects. They gained traction particularly in the gay community due to their perceived benefits during sex. Historically, poppers were prescribed for chest pain but were eventually banned as recreational drugs in the late 1980s.
Despite some claims linking poppers to health issues such as AIDS, there is no scientific evidence to support this association, a point reiterated recently amidst misinformation. However, misuse of poppers can lead to real health risks. Symptoms include racing heart, headache, and even severe outcomes like loss of consciousness, as noted by Joseph J. Palamar, an associate professor at NYU Langone Health. “This is not something you treat lightly,” he stated in a recent interview. “You can definitely end up poisoned.”
A study published in Clinical Toxicology highlights a worrying trend: New York City has seen an increase in poppers-related poisonings. Researchers found that many store employees lacked knowledge about safe usage, with 44% unsure about how to guide customers. This lack of information poses serious risks to users.
In 2021, the FDA issued a strong warning against inhaling or ingesting poppers, emphasizing the dangers these chemicals pose to health. They can cause severe tissue damage, breathing difficulties, and dangerous drops in blood pressure, among other risks. Judy McMeekin, an FDA associate commissioner, underscored that no one should ingest or inhale these substances under any circumstances.
The growing scrutiny on poppers also coincides with increased calls for health education within communities that traditionally use these substances. As regulations tighten and misinformation spreads, it’s crucial that users stay informed about the risks and potential dangers of poppers.
For more detailed information about the health risks associated with poppers, visit the FDA’s official warning on the topic here.
Check out this related article: Vibrant Festival Fun: Thousands Join the Colorful Celebration!
Source linkLifestyle,Health,drugs,lgbtqia+,party drugs
