Treated with suspicion when attempting to order Isopropyl Alcohol...

[Richard Michael Briggs]

I rang up my local Boots today to enquire as to obtaining a bottle of
isopropyl (aka rubbing) alcohol - which I require for cleaning the
print heads of my inkjet.

To say that the temperature of the conversation dropped was an
understatement. I was put on hold, forwarded to a very
suspicious-sounding woman who immediately asked my name, my
occupation, for what reason I was enquiring and what use I could
possibly have for such a product. Obviously not happy with my
explanations, she put the phone down on me.

I'd imagine that I'd get a very similar response if I were to ring
them up and ask them how much a 500ml bottle of methadone would cost,
or for them to order me some extra-pure diamorphine... :)

So, can anyone please explain to me what the deal with that was? Did
they think that I was going to drink it? Is isopropyl alcohol somehow
a drug of misuse nowadays? Do junkies use it to shoot up with, or
something? I am completely bemused why my perfectly innocent request
would provoke such hostility (I later rang up another pharmacy who
told me that whilst they don't keep it in, but they could order me
some for tomorrow afternoon, no probs).

[Jan Hyde]

Richard Michael Briggs <***@home.at.this.address>'s wild
thoughts were released on Thu, 04 Dec 2003 15:23:31 +0000

Post by Richard Michael Briggs
I rang up my local Boots today to enquire as to obtaining a bottle of
isopropyl (aka rubbing) alcohol - which I require for cleaning the
print heads of my inkjet.
To say that the temperature of the conversation dropped was an
understatement. I was put on hold, forwarded to a very
suspicious-sounding woman who immediately asked my name, my
occupation, for what reason I was enquiring and what use I could
possibly have for such a product. Obviously not happy with my
explanations, she put the phone down on me.
I'd imagine that I'd get a very similar response if I were to ring
them up and ask them how much a 500ml bottle of methadone would cost,
or for them to order me some extra-pure diamorphine... :)
So, can anyone please explain to me what the deal with that was? Did
they think that I was going to drink it? Is isopropyl alcohol somehow
a drug of misuse nowadays? Do junkies use it to shoot up with, or
something? I am completely bemused why my perfectly innocent request
would provoke such hostility (I later rang up another pharmacy who
told me that whilst they don't keep it in, but they could order me
some for tomorrow afternoon, no probs).

Apparently it is used by people wishing to commit suicide

http://www.embbs.com/cr/alc/alc5.html

J

[INRI]

Post by Richard Michael Briggs
I rang up my local Boots today to enquire as to obtaining a bottle of
isopropyl (aka rubbing) alcohol - which I require for cleaning the
print heads of my inkjet.
To say that the temperature of the conversation dropped was an
understatement. I was put on hold, forwarded to a very
suspicious-sounding woman who immediately asked my name, my
occupation, for what reason I was enquiring and what use I could
possibly have for such a product. Obviously not happy with my
explanations, she put the phone down on me.
I'd imagine that I'd get a very similar response if I were to ring
them up and ask them how much a 500ml bottle of methadone would cost,
or for them to order me some extra-pure diamorphine... :)
So, can anyone please explain to me what the deal with that was? Did
they think that I was going to drink it? Is isopropyl alcohol somehow
a drug of misuse nowadays? Do junkies use it to shoot up with, or
something? I am completely bemused why my perfectly innocent request
would provoke such hostility (I later rang up another pharmacy who
told me that whilst they don't keep it in, but they could order me
some for tomorrow afternoon, no probs).

Buy some surgical spirit from the chemist or methylated
spirit from a hardware store. That will do the job.
Tape head cleaner is Isopropyl Alcohol but they charge a rip-off
price for it.

Everyone is paranoid nowadays.


--
INRI
-------

[Richard Michael Briggs]

Post by INRI
Buy some surgical spirit from the chemist or methylated
spirit from a hardware store. That will do the job.
Tape head cleaner is Isopropyl Alcohol but they charge a rip-off
price for it.

Not sure about surgical spirit, but meths will supposedly destroy the
print head. I have that on the advice of a computer expert...

Post by INRI
Everyone is paranoid nowadays.

Yeah - I tried to buy a packet of paracetamol and a box of lemsip the
other day and was told that I was unable to purchase both of them at
the same time - presumably because I would then be in posession of
enough paracentamol-based product to off myself...

The world has gone insane.

[polterposty]

Post by Richard Michael Briggs

Post by INRI
Buy some surgical spirit from the chemist or methylated
spirit from a hardware store. That will do the job.
Tape head cleaner is Isopropyl Alcohol but they charge a rip-off
price for it.

Not sure about surgical spirit, but meths will supposedly destroy the
print head. I have that on the advice of a computer expert...

You can use it in a pinch but yes it might eat certain plastics.
I bought 5l of isoprop from a chem supply shop a few years ago for
about a tenner and it was 99.squidly pure.
I think Maplin have IPA 500ml for about 3quid, which is about as
cheap as buying a bottle from the chemist, or try Radio Spares.

Post by Richard Michael Briggs

Post by INRI
Everyone is paranoid nowadays.

Yeah - I tried to buy a packet of paracetamol and a box of lemsip the
other day and was told that I was unable to purchase both of them at
the same time - presumably because I would then be in posession of
enough paracentamol-based product to off myself...

Tesco wouldnt sell me 3 boxes of aspirins!

[Otis Wengatz]

Post by polterposty
Tesco wouldnt sell me 3 boxes of aspirins!

Suicides are often compulsive and will take whatever is in the house.

If someone has had 16 asperin there is less chance of them dying than if
they have taken 48.

There are plenty of cases of people dying from accidental asperin overdose.

I am told that Paracetemol is more likely to kill people than asperin, but
that the long term effects of asperin overdose are worse (if you survive.)

But then, I am not a doctor.

[Dave Mayall]

Post by Otis Wengatz

Post by polterposty
Tesco wouldnt sell me 3 boxes of aspirins!

Suicides are often compulsive and will take whatever is in the house.
If someone has had 16 asperin there is less chance of them dying than if
they have taken 48.
There are plenty of cases of people dying from accidental asperin overdose.
I am told that Paracetemol is more likely to kill people than asperin, but
that the long term effects of asperin overdose are worse (if you survive.)

Presumably by the same person who told you how to spell Asprin.

Asprin OD is unlikely to lead to death, or long term damage.

Relatively slight paracetamol OD can cause death, or long term liver damage.

[Otis Wengatz]

Post by Dave Mayall

Post by Otis Wengatz
I am told that Paracetemol is more likely to kill people than
asperin, but that the long term effects of asperin overdose are worse
(if you survive.)

Presumably by the same person who told you how to spell Asprin.
Asprin OD is unlikely to lead to death, or long term damage.
Relatively slight paracetamol OD can cause death, or long term liver damage.

So why the push to paracetemol?

If paracetemol has greater risk of death, and greater risk of long term
harm, what advantages does it have?

[Peter Parry]

On Fri, 05 Dec 2003 05:52:17 -0600, Otis Wengatz

Post by Otis Wengatz
So why the push to paracetemol?
If paracetemol has greater risk of death, and greater risk of long term
harm, what advantages does it have?

Children under 12 can on very rare occasions develop Reye's Syndrome
after taking Asprin so it should not be used for them. Other than
that there is little to chose in pain relief from either except that
in overdose there is no competition.

A large overdose of Paracetamol cannot be treated effectively once a
short time (8-24 hours) has elapsed but it will take about a week for
the person to inexorably die from liver failure. If treated within 8
hours recovery is more or less assured so the priority in any case of
suspected paracetamol overdose must be to get them to hospital
immediately and make sure everyone knows it is a paracetamol overdose
- there will be few or no symptoms at this time.

A great tragedy with Paracetamol is that it is often taken by people
who didn't really mean to end their lives. After a large overdose
they will initially feel no effects or just some nausea and assume
they have failed. They often don't seek immediate treatment. It will
only be a day or two later when they feel other symptoms (jaundice,
nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain) and long past the time any
treatment can be effective, that they will go to a doctor. At this
point, with a large enough dose, death is inevitable within 5 days
and the process is uniquely nasty, painful and protracted.

Paracetamol is the commonest drug used for self-poisoning in the UK
and the worst possible choice anyone could make for the act.

[Scott]

Post by Peter Parry
On Fri, 05 Dec 2003 05:52:17 -0600, Otis Wengatz

Post by Otis Wengatz
So why the push to paracetemol?
If paracetemol has greater risk of death, and greater risk of long term
harm, what advantages does it have?

Children under 12 can on very rare occasions develop Reye's Syndrome
after taking Asprin so it should not be used for them. Other than
that there is little to chose in pain relief from either except that
in overdose there is no competition.
A large overdose of Paracetamol cannot be treated effectively once a
short time (8-24 hours) has elapsed but it will take about a week for
the person to inexorably die from liver failure. If treated within 8
hours recovery is more or less assured so the priority in any case of
suspected paracetamol overdose must be to get them to hospital
immediately and make sure everyone knows it is a paracetamol overdose
- there will be few or no symptoms at this time.
A great tragedy with Paracetamol is that it is often taken by people
who didn't really mean to end their lives. After a large overdose
they will initially feel no effects or just some nausea and assume
they have failed. They often don't seek immediate treatment. It will
only be a day or two later when they feel other symptoms (jaundice,
nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain) and long past the time any
treatment can be effective, that they will go to a doctor. At this
point, with a large enough dose, death is inevitable within 5 days
and the process is uniquely nasty, painful and protracted.
Paracetamol is the commonest drug used for self-poisoning in the UK
and the worst possible choice anyone could make for the act.

http://www.newsrelease-archive.net/coi/depts/GDH/coi1877d.ok

Paracetamol overdose accounts for 30,000 - 40,000 referrals to
hospital each year. Between 100 and 150 people die in the UK each
year from paracetamol overdose.

It has been decided not to include an antidote to overdose in all
paracetamol tablets. The vast majority of people who use paracetamol
in recommended doses would derive no benefit and they would be
exposed to any risks the antidote might have. Co-methiamol, a
combination of methionine and paracetamol for use where there is a
risk of paracetamol misuse, remains available from pharmacies. The
methionine antidote is added to reduce the risk of liver damage if an
overdose is taken.

Aspirin accounts for around 5000 hospital admissions each year
and there were 60 deaths from overdose in 1994 (the most recent
figures). Aspirin was withdrawn from use in children in 1985 because
of the associated risk of Reye's Syndrome (a brain and liver disorder
which is commonly fatal).

[Rob]

Post by Otis Wengatz
I am told that Paracetemol is more likely to kill people than asperin, but
that the long term effects of asperin overdose are worse (if you survive.)

.......same person who told you how to spell Asprin.

/\/\/\/\/\/\

Asprin OD is unlikely to lead to death, or long term damage.

/\/\/\/\/\

:-)

[Bob Regis]

Post by Dave Mayall

Post by Otis Wengatz

Post by polterposty
Tesco wouldnt sell me 3 boxes of aspirins!

Suicides are often compulsive and will take whatever is in the house.
If someone has had 16 asperin there is less chance of them dying
than if they have taken 48.
There are plenty of cases of people dying from accidental asperin overdose.
I am told that Paracetemol is more likely to kill people than
asperin, but that the long term effects of asperin overdose are
worse (if you survive.)

Presumably by the same person who told you how to spell Asprin.
Asprin OD is unlikely to lead to death, or long term damage.

Deafness.
Must be treated in hospital.
Admittedly it is uncommon to lead to coma, it can do if severe, it can also
lead to complex acid-base disturbances.

Post by Dave Mayall
Relatively slight paracetamol OD can cause death, or long term liver
damage

You are right on this though.

Bob.
Medical Student who is revising for Pharmacology exam out of the BNF.

["nightjar" .uk.com>]

Post by Richard Michael Briggs

Post by INRI
Buy some surgical spirit from the chemist or methylated
spirit from a hardware store. That will do the job.
Tape head cleaner is Isopropyl Alcohol but they charge a rip-off
price for it.

Not sure about surgical spirit, but meths will supposedly destroy the
print head. I have that on the advice of a computer expert...

Surgical sprirt is not particularly good for cleaning things. It seems to
leave a slightly oily residue.

Post by Richard Michael Briggs

Post by INRI
Everyone is paranoid nowadays.

Yeah - I tried to buy a packet of paracetamol and a box of lemsip the
other day and was told that I was unable to purchase both of them at
the same time - presumably because I would then be in posession of
enough paracentamol-based product to off myself...
The world has gone insane.

With my cash & carry card, I can happily buy several one dozen x 16 pill
bottle trays of asprin or paracetamol. As I like to take one prophylactic
asprin every day, I have found that by far the most convenient way to buy
since the 100 and 150 pill bottles have been discontinued.

Colin Bignell

[Alan G]

On Thu, 4 Dec 2003 17:48:04 -0000, "nightjar"

Post by "nightjar" .uk.com>

Post by Richard Michael Briggs

Post by INRI
Buy some surgical spirit from the chemist or methylated
spirit from a hardware store. That will do the job.
Tape head cleaner is Isopropyl Alcohol but they charge a rip-off
price for it.

Not sure about surgical spirit, but meths will supposedly destroy the
print head. I have that on the advice of a computer expert...

Surgical sprirt is not particularly good for cleaning things. It seems to
leave a slightly oily residue.

Post by Richard Michael Briggs

Post by INRI
Everyone is paranoid nowadays.

Yeah - I tried to buy a packet of paracetamol and a box of lemsip the
other day and was told that I was unable to purchase both of them at
the same time - presumably because I would then be in posession of
enough paracentamol-based product to off myself...
The world has gone insane.

With my cash & carry card, I can happily buy several one dozen x 16 pill
bottle trays of asprin or paracetamol. As I like to take one prophylactic
asprin every day, I have found that by far the most convenient way to buy
since the 100 and 150 pill bottles have been discontinued.

You can buy a 100 bottle of 'prophylactic' aspirin from any chemist.
75mg as against the standard aspirin 300mg. The 300mg can cause
internal bleeding if used excessively.

Post by "nightjar" .uk.com>
Colin Bignell

[Alan G]

On Thu, 04 Dec 2003 16:57:57 +0000, Richard Michael Briggs

Post by Richard Michael Briggs

Post by INRI
Buy some surgical spirit from the chemist or methylated
spirit from a hardware store. That will do the job.
Tape head cleaner is Isopropyl Alcohol but they charge a rip-off
price for it.

Not sure about surgical spirit, but meths will supposedly destroy the
print head. I have that on the advice of a computer expert...

It depends on what the print head is made of. Since different
manufacturers use different materials you can only try it. I know
meths works okay with HP cartridges but can't vouch for others. Some
plastics are very susceptible to solvents.

Post by Richard Michael Briggs

Post by INRI
Everyone is paranoid nowadays.

Yeah - I tried to buy a packet of paracetamol and a box of lemsip the
other day and was told that I was unable to purchase both of them at
the same time - presumably because I would then be in posession of
enough paracentamol-based product to off myself...

I had an almost continuous whinge at Alan Milburn when the twat
brought in that regulation cos it included the low dose aspirin I take
for a heart condition. He relaxed the regulation for the low dose
aspirin but I still gat told by chemists assistants they can't sell me
a bottle of 100 unless the chemist is there. It is BLOODY STUPID.
Especially since most supermarkets ignore the rule. Anyway now I just
buy a box of paracetamol or aspirin each time I shop until I have a
couple of hundred.

Post by Richard Michael Briggs
The world has gone insane.

I blame journalists with their 'something must be done' mantra.

[Henry]

Post by Richard Michael Briggs

Post by INRI
Everyone is paranoid nowadays.

The world has gone insane.

I blame the Yanks. It's the bleedin' New World Order, innit?

cheers,

Henry

[Skræðer]

Post by Richard Michael Briggs
Yeah - I tried to buy a packet of paracetamol and a box of lemsip the
other day and was told that I was unable to purchase both of them at
the same time - presumably because I would then be in posession of
enough paracentamol-based product to off myself...
The world has gone insane.

Especially as you can buy the paracetamol and then immediately go back
in the shop and buy the Lemsip.

--
Skræðer

[Andy]

Post by Skræðer
Especially as you can buy the paracetamol and then immediately go back
in the shop and buy the Lemsip.

Or in my case stand at the checkout with a few boxes and buy each one
seperately. Store policy did not permit more than one box to be sold in a
single transaction. I just bought my paracetamol, sinutab and lemsip in
three transactions.

Andy

[Richard Michael Briggs]

Post by Skræðer
Especially as you can buy the paracetamol and then immediately go back
in the shop and buy the Lemsip.

Yeah - that's what I did. I paid, walked out the door with the
paracetamol, then came back in and bought the lemsip... ;-)

[Frank X]

Post by Richard Michael Briggs

Post by INRI
Buy some surgical spirit from the chemist or methylated
spirit from a hardware store. That will do the job.
Tape head cleaner is Isopropyl Alcohol but they charge a rip-off
price for it.

Not sure about surgical spirit, but meths will supposedly destroy the
print head. I have that on the advice of a computer expert...

So will Isopropyl alcohol, not so much destroy as degrade over time.

Just use white spirit it woun't do that much damage.

You can also use that to kill yourself ;o) Just pour it all over your head
and set light to it.

[Markus G. Klötzer]

Post by INRI
Buy some surgical spirit from the chemist or methylated
spirit from a hardware store.

I used meth when I was windowcleaning being told this "it is the
same", but for cleaning purposes no way near as good.

Supplies of "Spiritus" from Germany came to the rescue.

cu

mgk

[Alan G]

On Thu, 04 Dec 2003 17:37:29 +0000, "Markus G. Klötzer"

Post by Markus G. Klötzer

Post by INRI
Buy some surgical spirit from the chemist or methylated
spirit from a hardware store.

I used meth when I was windowcleaning being told this "it is the
same", but for cleaning purposes no way near as good.

I used meths for cleaning glass for electronic instruments. Worked a
treat. Just takes a bit to polish.

Post by Markus G. Klötzer
Supplies of "Spiritus" from Germany came to the rescue.
cu
mgk

[Markus G. Klötzer]

Post by Alan G
I used meths for cleaning glass for electronic instruments. Worked a
treat. Just takes a bit to polish.

glass fine. Plastic window frames / paintwork around - dodgy

Hands - unhealthy

cu

mgk

[Alan G]

On Thu, 04 Dec 2003 18:26:47 +0000, "Markus G. Klötzer"

Post by Markus G. Klötzer

Post by Alan G
I used meths for cleaning glass for electronic instruments. Worked a
treat. Just takes a bit to polish.

glass fine. Plastic window frames / paintwork around - dodgy

WD40 is pretty good for plastic frames. Don't know what it's like for
long term use though.

Post by Markus G. Klötzer
Hands - unhealthy

USe rubber gloves *without* the talc in them.

Post by Markus G. Klötzer
cu
mgk

[Markus G. Klötzer]

Post by Alan G

Post by Markus G. Klötzer
glass fine. Plastic window frames / paintwork around - dodgy

WD40 is pretty good for plastic frames. Don't know what it's like for
long term use though.

but the runoff from the windows affects everything around.

academic now, as I am an Ex-Windowcleaner :->
cu

mgk

[Cynic]

On Thu, 04 Dec 2003 15:23:31 +0000, Richard Michael Briggs

Post by Richard Michael Briggs
I rang up my local Boots today to enquire as to obtaining a bottle of
isopropyl (aka rubbing) alcohol - which I require for cleaning the
print heads of my inkjet.
To say that the temperature of the conversation dropped was an
understatement. I was put on hold, forwarded to a very
suspicious-sounding woman who immediately asked my name, my
occupation, for what reason I was enquiring and what use I could
possibly have for such a product. Obviously not happy with my
explanations, she put the phone down on me.

A totally unreasonable response given that a wide range of common
consumer goods have instructions to use isopropyl alcohol to clean.

Do you sound like a youngster on the phone? IIUC solvents may not be
sold to people under the age of 18.

[Anon Poster]

On Thu, 04 Dec 2003 15:23:31 +0000, Richard Michael Briggs

Post by Richard Michael Briggs
I rang up my local Boots today to enquire as to obtaining a bottle of
isopropyl (aka rubbing) alcohol - which I require for cleaning the
print heads of my inkjet.
To say that the temperature of the conversation dropped was an
understatement. I was put on hold, forwarded to a very
suspicious-sounding woman who immediately asked my name, my
occupation, for what reason I was enquiring and what use I could
possibly have for such a product. Obviously not happy with my
explanations, she put the phone down on me.
I'd imagine that I'd get a very similar response if I were to ring
them up and ask them how much a 500ml bottle of methadone would cost,
or for them to order me some extra-pure diamorphine... :)
So, can anyone please explain to me what the deal with that was? Did
they think that I was going to drink it? Is isopropyl alcohol somehow
a drug of misuse nowadays? Do junkies use it to shoot up with, or
something? I am completely bemused why my perfectly innocent request
would provoke such hostility (I later rang up another pharmacy who
told me that whilst they don't keep it in, but they could order me
some for tomorrow afternoon, no probs).

It's used to make the binary form of the deadly nerve agent Sarin.

http://www.nti.org/e_research/profiles/NK/Chemical/1083.html

[libran]

For the long term, and in order to be a legitimate buyer of this substance,
you need to be registered with Customs & Excise.
If you can prove your requirement is necessary for your business, then there
should not be a problem. You will then be able to buy it through a
pharmaceutical wholesaler.
Should this be 'over-the-top' for your usage, then I would suggest that you
try one of the smaller local pharmacies where protocol is not up to the
standard of Boots.
I used this method when I was in business to but both Isopropyl Alcohol and
Industrial Methylated Spirit.
The registration process is really a check on you system of usage and that
you are not preparing booze from it. Once in a blue moon, C&E pay you a
visit and will want to see your register of purchase and use.

Post by Richard Michael Briggs
I rang up my local Boots today to enquire as to obtaining a bottle of
isopropyl (aka rubbing) alcohol - which I require for cleaning the
print heads of my inkjet.
To say that the temperature of the conversation dropped was an
understatement. I was put on hold, forwarded to a very
suspicious-sounding woman who immediately asked my name, my
occupation, for what reason I was enquiring and what use I could
possibly have for such a product. Obviously not happy with my
explanations, she put the phone down on me.
I'd imagine that I'd get a very similar response if I were to ring
them up and ask them how much a 500ml bottle of methadone would cost,
or for them to order me some extra-pure diamorphine... :)
So, can anyone please explain to me what the deal with that was? Did
they think that I was going to drink it? Is isopropyl alcohol somehow
a drug of misuse nowadays? Do junkies use it to shoot up with, or
something? I am completely bemused why my perfectly innocent request
would provoke such hostility (I later rang up another pharmacy who
told me that whilst they don't keep it in, but they could order me
some for tomorrow afternoon, no probs).

[Gareth A.]

Post by libran
For the long term, and in order to be a legitimate buyer of this substance,
you need to be registered with Customs & Excise.
If you can prove your requirement is necessary for your business, then there
should not be a problem. You will then be able to buy it through a
pharmaceutical wholesaler.
Should this be 'over-the-top' for your usage, then I would suggest that you
try one of the smaller local pharmacies where protocol is not up to the
standard of Boots.
I used this method when I was in business to but both Isopropyl Alcohol and
Industrial Methylated Spirit.
The registration process is really a check on you system of usage and that
you are not preparing booze from it. Once in a blue moon, C&E pay you a
visit and will want to see your register of purchase and use.

Interesting... I needed a fair amount to remove a lot of decal gunk
from a police car I bought. I went to a local chemical supplier and
they said that the minimum size they sold was 25 litre drums. From the
way they spoke they would have sold it to me there and then!

I eventually bought some large 500ml cans for very little money from
CPC and did the job with half a can.

It is *extremely* good for cleaning or gungey or oily things - it
broke down the left-over decal backing very effectively. The main
advantage is that it evaporates with no smell and practically no
residue.

Gareth

[Peter Parry]

Post by libran
For the long term, and in order to be a legitimate buyer of this substance,
you need to be registered with Customs & Excise.

I think you are mixing it up with Ethanol (figuratively of course).
There are no restrictions on buying Isopropanol in any quantity.

[polterposty]

Post by Peter Parry

Post by libran
For the long term, and in order to be a legitimate buyer of this
substance, you need to be registered with Customs & Excise.

I think you are mixing it up with Ethanol (figuratively of course).
There are no restrictions on buying Isopropanol in any quantity.

That's what I thought - to get pure undenatured alcohol (ethanol not meths)
without paying the 100 quid excise on 5 litres you have to register with
C&E. Of course you have to have a good reason - like making perfume,
mouthwash whatever. (I'm intereshted in makingsh mouthwashs..)