Poppers are made up of nitrites, which are alkyl esters of nitrous acid. Depending on the origin and type of poppers, the nitrites they contain can vary greatly, posing different health risks. We regularly carry out analyses of the ingredients and present the most common nitrites found in Switzerland here. We also explain how different ingredients such as pentyl nitrite, hexyl nitrite, isopropyl nitrite and isobutyl nitrite affect the body and which ingredients are considered safe.
Contents
Poppers ingredients
Advantages of poppers with pentyl nitrite or hexyl nitrite
On our website www.poppersschweiz.com you will only find poppers with the following two ingredients, as we classify these nitrites as less harmful to health:
- Pentyl nitrite (CAS 463-04-7): The majority of our products contain this nitrite, as it is considered less harmful to health.
- Hexyl nitrite (UFI V300-A06S-K00V-G02P): This newer nitrite comes from the manufacturer Lockerroom in Canada and is offered in some of the 30 ml bottles. Hexyl nitrite is just as or less harmful to health than pentyl nitrite. You can therefore also find products with hexyl nitrite in our online store.
Hands off poppers with these ingredients
We do not stock poppers containing the following ingredients as we consider isopropyl nitrite and isobutyl nitrite to be of concern due to their carcinogenic and highly toxic properties when inhaled. We expressly distance ourselves from these nitrites and strongly advise against using products with these ingredients:
- Isopropyl nitrite (CAS 541-42-4): Unfortunately, products with this risky ingredient are still available in some sex stores. We do not sell these as they can be life-threatening if inhaled. Isopropyl nitrite is classified as a carcinogen and, according to experts, can lead to macular degeneration, an eye disease that can impair vision or even cause blindness. Possible side effects include visual field loss and yellow spots in the field of vision.
- Isobutyl nitrite (CAS 542-56-3): We also do not carry this nitrite, which is found in Quicksilver, for example, as it is potentially carcinogenic. Fortunately, this nitrite is now rarely found in Switzerland. According to the EU Dangerous Substances Directive, isopropyl nitrite is classified as carcinogenic and can weaken the immune system.
There are other terms for ingredients that occur in Austria:
- Amyl nitrite: This is an outdated term for pentyl nitrite and is considered harmless. Amyl nitrite is often used as a collective term for all poppers ingredients.
- Alkyl nitrite: This term refers to isobutyl nitrite, pentyl nitrite, isopropyl nitrite, etc. We do not recommend poppers with this imprecise information, as it remains unclear which nitrite is actually contained.
It is important to us that you use poppers responsibly so that you can enjoy their effects without taking any health risks. If you have any further questions about ingredients such as pentyl nitrite or hexyl nitrite, we are always happy to help.