2012-01-12 23:00:00
Gamma-butyrolactone (GBL) and 1,4-butanediol (1-4BD) are inexpensive industrial chemicals widely used in industry, primarily as solvents in various formulations or as additives. synthesis intermediates in the manufacture of polyurethane, medicines, phytosanitary products, polymers, etc. These two substances are precursors of gamma-hydroxybutyrate, better known as GHB or the “date rape drug”, classified as a narcotic since 1999. Since that date, there has been an increase in the recreational use of these two precursors which are rapidly metabolized into GHB in the body following ingestion, thus causing equivalent sensations and making it possible to circumvent the legislation on GHB. Considering in particular the fact that obtaining these substances is easy and that they can in particular be sold to the general public for various uses (solvents, automobile cleaners, etc.) including in high concentrations, France has decided to ban the offer and transfer to the public of GBL and 1,4-BD whether as raw material, or via manufactured products containing a concentration greater than 10% and a volume of more than 100 mL. This ban has been in effect since September 2, 2011.
What are the risks associated with these substances?
Voluntary ingestion of GBL or 1,4-BD can lead to respiratory problems, disturbances of consciousness, loss of consciousness and alteration of vital functions up to coma and possibly leading to death. Cases of voluntary poisoning mainly concern young adults who consume these products in various festive places, but also at home. The ingestion of these substances is all the more dangerous as the margin between the “euphoric” dose and the potentially fatal dose is small and dependent on multiple factors: drinks (notably alcohol) or drugs consumed concomitantly, body mass, state physical fitness of the individual, etc.
Since 2005, just over 200 cases of poisoning and one death linked to the consumption of GBL have been recorded in France by the toxicovigilance network (CAPTV) (1) and the addictovigilance network (CEIP)(2). This trend is also observed in many European countries. According to the European Monitoring Center for Drugs and Drug Addiction (EMCDDA), cases of overdose represent a significant proportion of emergencies linked to the consumption of illicit substances in several large European cities.
How are these substances regulated?
In January 2010, the Directorate General of Health called on the Regulated Products Directorate of ANSES with the aim of examining the different possible regulatory avenues, particularly at the European level, to limit health risks. human linked to voluntary ingestion of GBL and 1,4-BD.
At the same time, since September 2, 2011, an order from the Ministry of Health has prohibited the offer and sale to the public of gamma-butyrolactone (GBL) and 1,4-butanediol (1,4-BD) as raw materials. first, as well as manufactured products containing a concentration greater than 10% and a volume of more than 100 mL.
Taking into account the numerous European countries concerned by this problem (Germany, Norway, Finland, Netherlands, Denmark, Spain, Italy, Sweden, Great Britain and France) and considering the free movement of goods within European territory, European regulatory action would make it possible to harmonize the management of this risk within the European Union. ANSES therefore recommends strengthening the effectiveness of the national ban by extending it to the European level by constructing a restriction proposal file within the framework of REACh (3) aimed at amending Annex XVII to this Regulation.
In addition, ANSES considers that it would be desirable to strengthen and target communication to the populations concerned regarding the risks incurred when consuming GBL or 1,4-BD. This would make it possible to emphasize the risks linked to the ingestion of these substances and the increase in these risks in the event of simultaneous consumption of alcohol or other drugs. Since GBL and 1,4-BD can also be used for chemical submission purposes, this communication campaign might help promote other forms of precautions to take (monitoring your drink in places of festivity, closed glasses, …).
(1) Poison control and toxicovigilance centers
(2) Drug dependence evaluation and information center
(3) Regulation (EC) No. 1907/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council of December 18, 2006 concerning the registration, evaluation and authorization of chemical substances, as well as the restrictions applicable to these substances (REACH), establishing a European Chemicals Agency, amending Directive 1999/45/EC and repealing Council Regulation (EEC) No 793/93 and Commission Regulation (EC) No 1488/94 and Directive 76/ 769/EEC and Commission Directives 91/155/EEC, 93/67/EEC, 93/105/EC and 2000/21/EC.
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