MMWR – Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report

1. Aniline Poisoning from a Purported Hallucinogenic Substance Purchased on the Internet — Oregon, 2011

Oregon Health Science University
Media Relations 
(503) 494-8231 

This report shows the grave dangers associated with Internet purchased chemicals. The term “research chemicals” is the most recent term used to illicitly sell stimulants on the internet, with the intent to avoid regulations that ban their use. Two men tried to buy the designer amphetamine derivative, 2C-E, via the internet. However, the product they received was actually aniline, a potent industrial chemical with high toxicity. All these research chemicals are labeled with a “not for human consumption” alert, but these two individuals ingested it. Within minutes they had a severe reaction with their hemoglobin being converted to methemoglobin, a molecule that does not allow the red blood cell to carry oxygen. Their skin turned a cyanotic blue and one of them lost consciousness. Rapid identification and treatment through the coordination of the poison center and health department helped identify the toxic chemical and alert other health care providers to its risk. Buying research chemicals over the Internet in an attempt to circumvent laws regarding abused stimulants carries potentially life-threatening risks.

2. CDC Grand Rounds: Dietary Sodium Reduction — Time for Choice

CDC
Division of News & Electronic Media           
(404) 639-3286

Excess dietary sodium is a major contributor to high blood pressure and a critical public health issue in the United States. High blood pressure is a major contributor to cardiovascular diseases, which are a leading cause of death, and disability in the United States. Average daily sodium intake for U.S. adults is more than double the recommended dietary limit for the majority of this population. Most of our sodium intake is from processed and prepared foods. The presence of sodium in these foods makes it difficult for Americans to control their own sodium intake. Reducing sodium across the food supply will increase consumer choice and help lower sodium intake. Thus, interventions that involve food industry participation hold promise as a critical pathway to address this public health problem.

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U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES