Dangerous substance found in new vapes: What is known
A dangerous substance was found in new vapes (photo: flickr.com)
In the UK market, dangerous electronic cigarettes - THC vapes based on cannabis, containing a dangerous sedative and analgesic for animals - xylazine, also known as the zombie drug, have been discovered. The situation in the United States, where this has already been dubbed a new threat to the nation, is concerning.
RBC-Ukraine reports on what is known about xylazine and why experts are sounding the alarm.
Sources used in preparing the material: Express.co.uk, Wikipedia.
What is known about xylazine
Xylazine is a sedative and analgesic commonly used for animals (including horses and large ruminants).
It induces a calming, analgesic, and even muscle-relaxing effect by suppressing the transmission of impulses along the sensory pathways of the central nervous system.
Xylazine (or medications based on it) is administered to animals for various purposes, including:
- Calming during excessive excitement or transportation.
- Pain relief or temporary immobilization during surgical procedures.
- Sedation as an anesthetic agent, and so on.
Why scientists raise concerns
In May 2022, in the UK, one death related to xylazine had already been recorded. 43-year-old Karl Warburton, who used heroin laced with fentanyl and xylazine, was found dead in the living room of his own home.
At that time, the coroner attributed the cause of death to acute aspiration pneumonia - lung damage resulting from acute inflammation, most commonly occurring after chemical injury to the respiratory tract and lung parenchyma. In other words, it was about damage caused by inhaling toxins.
Against the backdrop of the proliferation of xylazine use on the black market, experts fear an increase in the number of deaths.
In addition to zombie-drug vapes, xylazine has also been found in tablets sold under the guise of codeine, diazepam, and even Valium.
"People may not realize what they're actually buying. They think they're getting THC vape, but it may contain much more than they expect. It's really concerning," emphasized one of the researchers from the Royal College London, Dr. Copeland.
What experts propose
Given the current situation, the British Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs recently urged the country's government to classify xylazine as a Class C drug.
This would place it on par with banned recreational gases (nitrous oxide), anabolic steroids, and benzodiazepines (psychoactive substances with sedative, hypnotic, muscle relaxant, or anticonvulsant effects).
It is clarified that individuals found in possession of Class C drugs could face imprisonment for up to two years, while those involved in trafficking such substances could face up to 14 years.
"We must constantly monitor changes in the nature of the illegal drug market, especially if they may lead to new complications or health issues," noted Professor Sir John Strang from the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology, and Neuroscience at King's College London.
This material is for informational purposes only and should not be used for medical diagnosis or self-treatment. Our goal is to provide readers with accurate information about symptoms, causes, and methods of detecting diseases. RBС-Ukraine is not responsible for any diagnoses that readers may make based on materials from the resource. We do not recommend self-treatment and advise consulting a doctor in case of any health concerns.
