2 The prevalent usage of inhalants to facilitate sexual intercourse has led to significant research on the body’s response to inhaling these chemicals as well as some of the risks associated with inhalants. 1 Today, poppers are often commercially sold in adult book or film stores or even in smoke shops as “room odorizers.” The brightly colored, tiny bottles are usually labeled as RUSH, STUD, RAM, or even “Liquid Gold” to name a few. Originating in the 1960s, poppers gained popularity on the dance floors of discos and raves, particularly amongst gay and bisexual men.

Poppers are said to enhance sexual activity by giving the user a sense of euphoria for a short period of time along with several physiological responses. These inhalants can be dangerous and should not be used around an open fire, allowed to touch the skin, or ingested in any way. Each bottle contains a small amount of a highly volatile, clear or yellow liquid that can be inhaled before or during sex. Originally, these bottles were given the name “poppers” from the sound the bottles made when opened or crushed.

“Poppers” is an informal term used to describe small vials or bottles containing a class of chemicals called alkyl nitrite, usually amyl nitrite, in liquid form.