Historique
Rapport
Gamma-butyrolactone (GBL) and 1,4-butandiol (1,4-BD) as industrial chemicals and drugs of abuse. Can they be regulated?
Auteur(s) :
MICKELSSON, K.
Année
2005
Page(s) :
26 p.
Langue(s) :
Anglais
Éditeur(s) :
Stockholm : National Institute of Public Health
, R 2005:14
Domaine :
Drogues illicites / Illicit drugs
Discipline :
MAR (Marchés / Markets)
Résumé :
One of the tasks of the National Institute of Public Health Sweden is to monitor and investigate the need to regulate commodities with an abuse potential, either as narcotics or as commodities which are dangerous to health. This task includes the monitoring of developments as regards abuse substances new to Sweden. Since the turn of the millennium, abuse of gamma-butyrolactone (GBL) and 1,4-butanediol (1,4-BD) has increased. Their effects and the risks associated with their use are similar to those associated with consumption of gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB), a substance which has already been controlled as a narcotic drug. There are at present no legal restrictions or sanctions as regards the use, transfer or possession of GBL or 1,4-BD. What would make controlling GBL and 1,4-BD difficult is their use as industrial chemicals, e.g. in the electronics and paint industries, as solvents and in the production of plastics and rubber. This report describes the extent of their use as well as possible ways of increasing control in order to counteract their abuse while not making their industrial use more difficult. The results of the investigation are important to politicians, experts, industry and other interested parties.
Affiliation :
National Institute of Public Health, Distribution, Stockholm, Sweden