Industrial chemical found in fentanyl across U.S. states
- Researchers found BTMPS, an industrial chemical, in fentanyl samples from Los Angeles and Philadelphia, with its prevalence rising dramatically over the summer.
- Users reported negative health effects and described the chemical's unpleasant smell, indicating a growing concern about its impact on drug quality.
- The findings underscore the urgent need for further research and testing of BTMPS to understand its health risks and implications for drug users.
Recent research has revealed a concerning trend in the illegal drug supply across the United States, particularly in fentanyl samples collected from Los Angeles and Philadelphia. An industrial chemical known as BTMPS, typically used in plastic products, has been increasingly found in these samples, with its presence rising from 0% in June to 41% by August. This shift has alarmed health researchers, who describe it as an unprecedented change in the drug landscape. The study, conducted by UCLA, the National Institute of Standards and Technology, and other institutions, analyzed over 170 drug samples. BTMPS was found to sometimes exceed the amount of fentanyl in these samples, raising concerns about the potential health risks for users. Many individuals reported adverse effects after exposure, including nausea and blurred vision, and described the chemical's odor as reminiscent of bug spray or plastic. Health experts emphasize the urgent need for further research on BTMPS, as its toxicological effects on humans remain largely unknown. The lack of testing for this chemical in medical settings poses a significant risk, as clinicians may be unaware of its presence in cases of drug-related harm. Users have expressed dissatisfaction with the quality of drugs containing BTMPS, often labeling them as low quality or undesirable. This situation highlights the necessity for broader awareness and testing of substances found in the illegal drug market, as the emergence of BTMPS indicates a shift in the composition of drugs that could have serious implications for public health and safety.