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The inkjet cleaner "Hurricane"--another GhB recipe.

C M Yambo1, R B McFee, T R Caraccio

  • 1The LI Regional Poison Control Center, Winthrop University Hospital, 107 Mineola Blvd, Mineola, New York 11501, USA.

Veterinary and Human Toxicology
|December 14, 2004
PubMed
Summary

Gamma hydroxybutyrate (GHB) is a dangerous substance often found in products marketed for sleep or sexual enhancement. A case report highlights the risks of 1,4-butanediol, a GHB precursor, found in an industrial cleaner causing unconsciousness.

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Area of Science:

  • Toxicology
  • Organic Chemistry
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Gamma hydroxybutyrate (GHB) is a central nervous system depressant with diverse illicit uses, including as a recreational drug, aphrodisiac, and date rape agent.
  • Precursors like gammabutyrolactone (GBL) and 1,4-butanediol (1,4-BDO) are accessible, often online, posing public health risks despite legislative controls on GHB.
  • Products containing GHB precursors are sometimes disguised as legitimate consumer goods, complicating detection and prevention efforts.

Observation:

  • A case study involved a 26-year-old male who experienced unconsciousness, constricted pupils, and seizures after ingesting a product labeled "Hurricane."
  • The product, purchased as a sleep aid, was identified as an organic inkjet cleaner containing 1,4-butanediol and butyleneglycol.
  • The patient did not respond to naloxone and regained consciousness after five hours, with all vital signs normalizing upon discharge.

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Findings:

  • 1,4-butanediol, the primary active ingredient in "Hurricane," is metabolized in the body to gamma hydroxybutyrate (GHB).
  • The patient's symptoms were consistent with gamma hydroxybutyrate (GHB) intoxication, despite the product's non-drug labeling.
  • This incident underscores the potential for industrial or cleaning products to contain dangerous psychoactive precursors.

Implications:

  • The continued availability of GHB precursors like 1,4-butanediol represents a significant and ongoing public health threat.
  • Increased vigilance and regulatory oversight are necessary to prevent the diversion and misuse of industrial chemicals as recreational drugs.
  • Public awareness campaigns are crucial to educate consumers about the hidden dangers in seemingly innocuous products.