Poppers: Dangers and Risks
(source: www.DanceSafe.org
)
WHAT
ARE POPPERS?
·
"Poppers"
is the popular name for various alkyl nitrites, including isobutyl
nitrite, butyl nitrite, and amyl nitrite.
·
Doctors
used to prescribe amyl nitrite for heart patients in capsules that
were broken or "popped" to release vapours.
·
Amyl
nitrite is made and sold illegally, but most poppers are isobutyl
nitrite or butyl nitrite sold in small brown bottles as "video
head cleaner," "room deodorizer," or "leather
cleaner."
·
The
exact contents of these products are not known, and they are not
safety tested.
WHAT ARE THE EFFECTS?
·
Poppers
are used by sniffing the vapours from an open bottle. The effects are
felt within a few seconds and last for 1-2 minutes.
·
Poppers
cause muscles around blood vessels to relax, making your heart speed
up to pump more blood. Oxygen-rich blood reaching the brain produces a
"rush" sensation.
·
Because
poppers cause muscles in the anus and vagina to relax, they are often
used during sex.
BE CAREFUL.
·
If
swallowed call 911 or Poison Control.
·
Contact
with the skin causes irritation and rashes. Extensive use can damage
the nose and lungs.
·
Some
people experience headaches, sensations of spinning or falling, and
loss of erection.
·
Poppers
are highly flammable. Keep away from cigarettes, candles, and
lighters.
·
Studies
show that poppers reduce the functioning of the immune system for
several days after use.
·
Because
poppers cause blood vessels to open, it is easier to get an infection,
including sexually transmitted diseases such as HIV.
·
Poppers
pose extra risks for people who have suppressed immune systems, heart
problems, low or high blood pressure, a history of cerebral
hemorrhaging, anemia, or are pregnant.
·
Combining
poppers with stimulants like speed and cocaine increases risks.
Combining poppers and Viagra is dangerous because both cause blood
pressure to drop.
·
Poppers
can affect your judgment. If you are planning on being intimate, put
on a condom before you use them.
·
To
prevent spilling and evaporation, pour a small amount in a separate
bottle filled with cotton and store tightly sealed in a refrigerator
or freezer.
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