Amyl nitrite, also known as “poppers,” has gained mainstream popularity as a recreational drug used in clubbing and sexual activities. A manufacturer of poppers, Double Scorpio, announced on their website that they have ceased operations following a search and seizure by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
The raid by the FDA reportedly occurred after Robert F. Kennedy Jr. assumed leadership of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, overseeing the FDA. Kennedy has made controversial statements linking poppers and other drug use to AIDS, despite lack of evidence. It remains unclear what prompted the raid or if Kennedy was involved.
Fast Company first reported on the FDA’s crackdown based on anonymous sources. When asked about the FDA’s actions, an FDA spokesperson declined to comment on ongoing investigations. The Department of Health and Human Services and Double Scorpio did not respond to requests for comment.
Poppers, inhaled alkyl nitrates, provide a short-lived euphoric effect and muscle relaxation. They have been favored by the gay community for their ability to enhance sexual experiences. However, side effects may include headaches, rapid heart rate, and vision disturbances, among others.
In 2021, the FDA issued a warning against using poppers due to serious health risks and even death associated with ingestion or inhalation. Reports have shown adverse effects such as severe headaches, difficulty breathing, and brain death.
Poppers have a long history, with amyl nitrate being used by doctors in the late 19th century to alleviate chest pain. They gained popularity among gay men in the 1950s and 1960s and have since existed in a legal gray area despite attempts by Congress to regulate or ban them.
An article published in the August issue of the California Legal Review states that selling poppers for recreational use is illegal under U.S. law. To circumvent this restriction, some manufacturers have rebranded these chemicals for commercial purposes, marketing them as air fresheners, leather cleaners, and nail polish removers. Poppers can now be easily found in smoke shops and convenience stores under brand names like Rush, Jungle Juice, and Locker Room.
In the early stages of the AIDS epidemic in 1981, researchers initially explored whether party drugs, including poppers, were contributing to the immune system collapse observed in gay men. However, following the identification of HIV as the cause of AIDS in 1983, it became evident that while poppers may lead to disinhibition and behaviors associated with HIV transmission, they were not the primary cause of the disease.
Despite lacking scientific support, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has promoted the unfounded theory that poppers were responsible for AIDS. He claimed in an undisclosed speech uncovered in 2023 that Dr. Anthony Fauci, who later headed the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, manipulated the narrative to assert that AIDS was caused by an infectious agent. Kennedy argued that HIV was merely a “passenger virus” and suggested that the use of poppers and partying within the gay community were triggering an “autoimmunity” response.
There is no established causal relationship between poppers and AIDS. HIV, a retrovirus primarily transmitted through sexual contact, infects immune cells and, if left untreated, weakens the immune system over time, making the body susceptible to infections and potentially fatal outcomes.
A 2020 study revealed that 3.3% of surveyed American adults, including 35% of gay men, acknowledged using poppers at some point. Recent reports indicate a rise in popper use among heterosexual individuals. Joseph J. Palamar, an associate professor at NYU Langone Health, has been researching popper use trends. Noting an increase in poison control reports linked to poppers causing severe health issues and a few associated deaths, Palamar suggested that some cases of poisoning might result from individuals ingesting poppers.
Palamar highlighted that the proximity of poppers to energy drinks in convenience stores, along with their packaging resembling energy drink shots, could mislead newcomers into consuming them. The lack of knowledge about these substances among store employees may contribute to risky popper use, as indicated by recent studies.
A New York City poison center identified 98 establishments, including smoke shops, weed dispensaries, and sex shops, where an increase in reports of poppers poisoning was noted. Employees at 86 of these stores were asked for guidance on using the drug. Approximately 50% recommended inhaling it, while 44% were uncertain and 8% suggested ingesting the liquid. Dr. Palamar, not part of the study, emphasized the dangers of using poppers, warning against drinking them as they are not meant to be consumed like an energy drink and can lead to poisoning.
