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WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2009
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Legal 'Party Drug' Blamed for 20 British Deaths

British government slammed for failing to ban GBL

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(Newser) – The British government is facing calls to ban a substance doctors blame for at least 20 deaths, the Daily Telegraph reports. GBL—an industrial solvent banned for personal use in the US years ago—is metabolized into banned drug GBH when ingested. Doctors warn that even tiny amounts can be poisonous and say it has killed several people a year since it took off as a "club drug" this decade.

"It's a very dangerous drug," said one specialist. "On the clubbing scene I would say that GBL poisonings are a daily occurrence."

The British government, citing its use as an industrial cleaner, has been reluctant to ban GBL despite documented abuse by partygoers.
The British government, citing its use as an industrial cleaner, has been reluctant to ban GBL despite documented abuse by partygoers.   (©fivedollarones)
Doctors say GBL has fatally poisoned around six people a year since it gained popularity among clubbers.
Doctors say GBL has fatally poisoned around six people a year since it gained popularity among clubbers.   (©SCOTT STIMEARE PHOTO-GRAFFITTI)
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We intend to campaign to get this lethal substance banned in the UK. If the Home Office had followed advice our daughter would still be alive and we would not now be living in hell. - Maryon Stewart, whose daughter died from GBL poisoning

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2 comments
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jenna
Apr 30, 09 6:33 AM CDT
What a world! People are now injesting banned solvents to get high? I don't get it. Thank god. Reply
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skeptik
Apr 30, 09 9:48 AM CDT
I hear from the street you can trip on shoelaces too. Reply
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