County Bans Sale, Use of ‘Poppers’ Sex Aids

Despite concerns that enforcement will be difficult, the Board of Supervisors on Tuesday ordered a countywide ban on the sale or public use of alkyl nitrites--commonly known as “poppers”--because of their possible link to AIDS.

The board also ordered the county’s Department of Health Services to launch a public education campaign on the potential dangers of “poppers,” which are marketed legally as room deodorizers but are also used as a sex stimulant.

What form that education program will take is unclear, county Health Director Robert Gates said, but he told the board that groups considered at high risk for contracting AIDS--such as sexually active gay or bisexual males--will be the main target.

The ban on the sale of poppers goes a step farther than similar restrictions adopted by the City of San Francisco. In San Francisco, public use of alkyl nitrites is banned, but they may be sold at stores where minors are not allowed so long as health warnings are posted.

Although sold as incense or room deodorizers under such brand names as Rush, Bolt, Locker Room and Crypt Tonight, alkyl nitrites have become increasingly popular for their aphrodisiac-like properties, particularly among the male homosexual population. Users inhaling the chemicals have reported receiving a temporary “high” as well as being sexually stimulated, according to medical authorities.

Medical researchers are increasingly concerned that the misuse of the alkyl nitrites could lead to the development of Kaposi’s sarcoma, a disease associated with acquired immune deficiency syndrome. The chemicals, though not classified as drugs by the federal Food and Drug Administration, have also been known to cause heart irregularities, rashes, lung infections and nasal irritation.

Bans on poppers have been adopted in nearly a dozen states, including New York, where the highest number of the nation’s AIDS victims are located. Three weeks ago, the city of West Hollywood ordered an ordinance requiring the posting of health warnings about poppers in places where they are sold.

Enforcement Unclear

The ordinance banning the substance could take effect as early as next month, but Health Director Gates said he is unclear how the prohibition will be enforced.

“It’s going to be difficult,” Gates said, adding that he has no idea how many outlets sell the products.

Early last month, Gates joined with Chief Administrative Officer James Hankla and County Counsel De Witt Clinton in concluding that an outright ban on poppers “does not appear to be the most effective way to deter the misuse of this product.

“Prohibiting such sale on a countywide basis could temporarily limit access to the product, but it would still be readily available outside the county limits,” the three officials concluded. “Funds required to monitor and enforce such a regulation could more appropriately be directed to education programs.”

In addition to the local efforts, the board went on record in support of pending state legislation that would require the posting of signs where poppers are sold to warn of their possible link to AIDS.