A rare and dangerous substance called Bis(2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-piperidyl) sebacate, or BTMPS, has been discovered for the first time in eastern North Carolina. This chemical, used industrially as a UV-blocking component, is now being added to street drugs in both powder and pill form.
Senior Scientist Nabarun Dasgupta, who works with the UNC Hill Street Drug Analysis Lab, recently identified BTMPS in a sample from Edgecombe County. “This is a really odd substance,” he said, noting that it doesn’t fit their typical view of contaminated drug supplies.
While not deadly, BTMPS can cause symptoms like blurred vision, ringing ears, and excessive vomiting. Dasgupta expressed concern about potential long-term consequences, including lung damage from smoking or vein damage from injecting the substance.
Public health officials advise that if your street drugs smell like bug spray or plastic, they may be laced with BTMPS. If you notice this odor, it’s recommended to stop using the drugs immediately.
Source: https://www.wral.com/news/state/dangerous-substance-discovered-eastern-north-carolina-oct-2023/