The submission presented evidence that poppers are widely used and adverse events associated with use are relatively uncommon – making criminalisation disproportionate to the risk. The submission noted that an increase in “adverse events” – including ophthalmological damage – in recent years came after the European Union banned isobutyl nitrite in 2007, suggesting that substitution of isopropyl nitrite may to be blame for vision loss in some users. In a statement Cornelisse and Readers said they will argue that the TGA could prevent risks of vision loss with “a more limited ban on isopropyl nitrite alone”.
The pair will warn that banning alkyl nitrites might lead to poppers users turning to more dangerous substances, such as “huffing” ethyl chloride or illicit drugs such as crystal methamphetamine.
