'BATH SALTS' - NOT FOR THE TUB

Dangerous designer drugs are being sold to the public as fake "bath
salts."

These toxic chemicals are cleverly concealed, packaged and sold to the
public. They are not intended to be sprinkled into bath water, but
rather snorted into the nose, as they have an effect similar to
cocaine and methamphetamine.

These synthetic drugs are commonly manufactured in China and India and
imported worldwide. Until recently, these products were sold in all 50
states. Anyone can purchase them over the Internet, as well as in
convenience stores, smoke shops and head shops (retail stores
specializing in drug paraphernalia). They cost about $20 per gram, and
are labeled "Ivory," "Zoom," Purple Wave," "Red Dove," "Vanilla Sky,"
and "Bliss."

These products are extremely dangerous and can lead to irreversible
harm. Physical symptoms can range from chest pain to increased heart
rate, elevated blood pressure and stroke. Psychologically, these
chemicals cause anxiety, paranoia, agitation and hallucinations. These
drugs have lead to cases of self-mutilation, car accidents, suicides
and homicides. They are responsible for multiple deaths in Texas,
Pennsylvania, Indiana and Washington.

The Washington State Poison Center (1-800-222-1222) has received a
dramatic increase in calls this year, of which 50 percent are from
hospital emergency departments. At this time, there are no drug
screening tests to detect these chemicals. Assistance is being
requested by health care providers for chemical identification and to
help direct appropriate treatment.

As of April 15, the Washington State Board of Pharmacy filed emergency
rules to ban the chemicals in "bath salts." However, this ban is only
in effect for 120 days, thereafter authorities reevaluate the need for
adopting permanent rules. Synthetic marijuana, sold as "K2" and
"Spice," was banned in Washington state on Jan. 7, 2011.

Many states have banned these chemicals, realizing the serious abuse
potential and health consequences. Currently it is illegal to sell,
deliver or possess these products in Oregon, Idaho, Alabama, Florida,
North Dakota, Louisiana, Virginia and Washington.

Additionally, many countries also have banned these products,
including Denmark, Sweden, Britain, Finland and Ireland. It seems
obvious and imperative the United States federal government follows
suit, bypassing each state's individual evaluation/regulatory process,
and immediately ban these products nationwide.