The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has intensified its scrutiny on poppers, a substance made from alkyl nitrates, which have long operated in a legal gray area. For decades, poppers have been masqueraded as cleaning solvents and nail polish remover to bypass regulations. Recently, the FDA's focus shifted towards regulating these products more strictly. Historically, isopropyl nitrites had an exception for "commercial purposes," which created a loophole allowing producers to operate without direct regulation.
Poppers, initially prescribed for chest pain, were ruled a prescription drug by the FDA in the 1960s when made with amyl nitrites. The agency warned in 2021 against ingesting or inhaling poppers, stating that such behavior "seriously jeopardizes your health." This warning comes amid increasing evidence linking poppers to adverse health effects.
Despite their medical history, poppers have been incorrectly associated with AIDS within the LGBTQ+ community. This unfounded connection has been perpetuated by individuals like Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., who continues to support the stance despite lacking evidence.
The crackdown has already led to significant impacts within the poppers industry. Double Scorpio, a Texas-based producer, announced that it "stopped all operations following a search and seizure" conducted by the FDA. Meanwhile, AFAB Industrial, another prominent producer of Rush poppers, has gone silent. Everett Farr, the owner of AFAB International, previously claimed control over 75% of the market in 2021.
“As far as I’m concerned, I sell nail polish remover,” stated Farr, reflecting the long-standing practice of labeling poppers under different product categories to avoid direct regulation.
With increasing regulatory pressure, experts continue to express concerns over the misuse of poppers.
“Do not ingest or inhale under any circumstances,” warned Judy McMeekin, Pharm. D., Associate Commissioner for Regulatory Affairs at the FDA.
Joseph J. Palamar, an associate professor in population health at NYU Langone Health, also emphasized the dangers associated with poppers.
“It’s not an energy drink,” Palamar stated, underscoring the misconception some users might have about the product's safety.
“You’ll definitely be poisoned,” he added, highlighting the severe health risks tied to improper use.
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