What are 'poppers' and why is the FDA cracking down on them?
Alkyl nitrites – commonly known as “poppers” – have a complex regulatory history dating back to the 19th century, when amyl nitrites were used as medical treatments for chest pain and asthma. According to a 2024 paper in the California Law Review, these substances were available over the counter during the 1960s before being restricted to prescription use after gay nurses helped popularize recreational applications. As amyl nitrite gave way to other alkyl nitrite formulations, the products maintained popularity in clubs during the 1970s. By the 1980s, use became largely concentrated among gay men, partly due to the stigma associated