‘Energy-boosting’ inhaler craze grips school students in China as experts express safety and addiction fears
- Two-pronged inhalers known as ‘energy sticks’ are cheap and easy to buy
- Experts fear they could act as ‘gateway’ to future drug use
An “energy-boosting” craze – which involves the use of a two-pronged nasal inhaler – is sweeping China, prompting fears over safety and possible addiction.
The inhalers, widely known as “energy sticks”, are particularly popular with young people of school age, according to a report by China National Radio.
They come in a range of fragrances, much like e-cigarettes, and contain essential oils, camphor and in some instances, alcohol.
“Take a puff before school, and a puff after class,” one advertisement for the product says, while another claims the inhaler prevents sleepiness and is safe to use.
The inhalers, which are also marketed as an alertness aid for long-distance drivers, cost between 10 and 20 yuan (US$2.7) and are selling in their thousands.
“Most of our consumers are secondary school students. Some primary school pupils also use them, although it is not meant for them – perhaps they bought it out of curiosity,” a customer service adviser for an online shop said.