Honorable Ujjal Dosanjh, P.C., M.P.
Minister of Health
Government of Canada
Ottawa, ON

The Alcohol Without Liquid Vaporiser (AWOL)

Dear Minister,

Health and safety experts are concerned about a new device that enables people to “snort” spirits. The Alcohol Without Liquid (AWOL) vaporiser is being marketed to night clubs, bars and private party organizers as a way to consume alcohol without calories or a hangover. It was introduced in the UK in February and in the US this summer.

The alcohol vapour bypasses the stomach and liver, and is absorbed through blood vessels in the nose or lungs. This creates a “hit” up to 10 times more potent than by drinking the same amount of alcohol. The user could have a blood alcohol concentration well below the legal limit, despite being far too drunk to drive. Medical experts believe that inhaling alcohol could cause serious brain damage.

A legislator in Long Island, NY wants to ban the sale, purchase and use of the AWOL device in his county. Its potential to impair driving ability while still allowing the user to pass a breathalyser test is a serious safety concern.

We have not been able to determine whether or not this device is available in Canada. Nonetheless, we believe that a proactive approach is needed to prevent the damage this device could cause in our country. Please let us know whether it would fall under your purview. If so, what action is your department taking? If not, who regulates such devices?

Sincerely,

Emile Therien
President, Canada Safety Council

cc: Rt. Hon. Paul Martin, P.C., M.P., Prime Minister of Canada ;Hon. Anne McLellan, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness ; Provincial/Territorial Premiers ; Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police ; Federation of Canadian Municipalities; Canadian Medical Association ; Canadian Public Health Association ;CSC Board of Directors

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Letter to Minister of Health
(August 17, 2004)

Follow-up (September 30, 2004)