A study and ranking of drugs for harmfulness devised by British government advisers and based upon health professionals opinions of harm to both individuals and society placed alkyl nitrites among the less harmful substances when compared to other recreational drugs including alcohol and tobacco.[8] It is near impossible to overdose through the conventional use of poppers.

The most common method of administering poppers is to open the bottle, hold it under one's nostril, and inhale. Other methods of popper usage such as oral use are extremely dangerous and can potentially result in death or coma. It is worth noting that alkyl nitrites burn the skin on contact and are extremely flammable.

Poppers were part of the disco club culture from the 1970s to the 1980s. Their usage was further popularized by the 1990s rave scene.[2] Today, they are mainly sold in sex shops in the form of small bottles, or as cap vials.

Alkyl nitrites (also known as poppers) are a class of volatile liquid substances whose fumes are inhaled for recreational purposes, particularly in preparation for sexual activities.[1] They are known for producing intense but short-lived muscle relaxing effects that start after about 15 seconds and last for up to 3 minutes.