FDA Raids Austin Manufacturer of Popular Inhalant Drug Poppers

AUSTIN, Texas — The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has conducted a raid on Double Scorpio, a manufacturer of amyl nitrite, commonly known as poppers, in response to escalating health concerns surrounding the inhalant’s use in nightlife and sexual activities.

The FDA‘s actions follow anonymous reports of a broader crackdown aimed at poppers, a substance often marketed as an air freshener or leather cleaner to sidestep legal restrictions on recreational use. Double Scorpio announced on its website Thursday that it has halted all operations after the agency’s search and seizure at their facilities.

This raid comes soon after Robert F. Kennedy Jr. assumed leadership over the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, which oversees the FDA. Kennedy has previously made controversial statements regarding substances like poppers, attributing misconceptions about their links to HIV and AIDS. However, details regarding his involvement in the raid remain unclear.

FDA spokesperson Amanda M. Hils stated, “As a matter of policy, we do not comment on possible criminal investigations,” while the agency’s commitment to ensuring public health safety against potentially dangerous substances continues to drive their actions. A request for comments from HHS was not immediately answered, nor did Double Scorpio respond.

Despite the cultivation of its popularity among club-goers, especially in the LGBTQ+ community, the safety profile of poppers remains drastically under scrutiny. Side effects can include headaches, increased heart rates, and in severe cases, breathing difficulties or methemoglobinemia, a serious condition that reduces blood oxygen levels.

The FDA has previously warned about the dangers of poppers, indicating that their use can lead to life-threatening conditions. An alert issued by the agency in 2021 noted an uptick in hospitalizations and deaths associated with the substances.

According to Adam Zmith, author of the forthcoming book on the history of poppers, the chemical compound was first identified by a French chemist in the mid-19th century and was initially used to ease chest pains. It gained traction in the 1950s and 1960s among gay men in urban areas. However, despite its persistence in a legal gray area, both recreational sales and health risks remain contentious issues.

While many retailers sell poppers under legislative loopholes, consumption interviews reveal alarming trends. Researcher Dr. Michael Palamar from NYU Langone Health conducted a survey last year showing that among over 1,400 club attendees, a significant percentage reported poppers use, with 46% of gay and bisexual men and 10% of heterosexual men indicating prior exposure.

Palamar’s earlier studies have also shown a rise in calls to poison control centers relating to serious adverse events connected to poppers, with several reported fatalities over the years. He emphasized that improper consumption methods, including the misconception that poppers are akin to energy drinks, significantly elevate the risk of poisoning.

In light of these dangers, a recent study found that nearly half of the employees at smoke shops and dispensaries that sell poppers advised inhalation for use, with 8% suggesting ingestion—an alarming level of misinformation that could further endanger potential users.

“If you do use them, do not drink them,” Palamar cautioned. “It’s not an energy drink. You’ll definitely be poisoned.”