Recreational drug users have been warned about toxic and potentially "fatal" chemicals detected in a liquid presumed to be an opioid in the Waikato region by watchdog High Alert.
The sample — a large ampule of peach/orange liquid presumed to be an opioid — was submitted to a drug checking clinic run by KnowYourStuff NZ.
Further testing by the Institute of Environmental Science and Research found the substance contained phenanthroline and diethylene glycol, both toxic chemicals, and no opioids.
Phenanthroline is used in medicine to test iron levels, while diethylene glycol is used in industrial products such as antifreeze, brake fluids and wallpaper strippers.
The substance is believed to be circulating in the Waikato region and may be present in other regions.
"It is unknown how widespread the circulation of this liquid is at the current time."
High Alert said there was concern people might intend to take the substance, believing it to be an opioid such as oxycodone.
"These chemicals do not have any psychoactive properties, so people may also take more when they don’t experience the anticipated effects."
Symptoms of phenanthroline could include shortness of breath, irritation, nausea, and headaches, with the time of onset depending on the amount ingested.
Diethylene glycol consumption could cause nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain and inebriation. Other symptoms could occur more than 48 hours after use, including abnormal urination, abdominal pain, weakness and shortness of breath.
An alert was previously issued in December 2021 after diethylene glycol was linked to a suspected poisoning case in Auckland. The affected individual was admitted to hospital in a critical condition.
Ingestion of the chemical could cause severe kidney and neurologic injures, as well as death.
Anyone aware of reports of this substance was asked to let High Alert know, anonymously if wanted, through this page using alert ID N24/0044.
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