VHS cleaners. “Rush.” Etc.

These are very popular in the gay community, and pretty fun. They last a very short time but give a pretty intense euphoria when paired with other activities.

I skimmed through some webmd stuff but nothing was particularly concerning. Am I missing something? Are they harmless?

Pretty sure the main problem is that they don't contain oxygen, so similar to how you could potentially die by inhaling too much helium from a balloon (trying to make your voice funny) there is also a potential risk of death.

That's aside from the many other problems listed on the Wikipedia page. Interacts with viagra. Bad for people with heart problems, etc.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Poppers

Common immediate side effects include severe dizziness, throbbing headaches, rapid heart rate, and fainting due to low blood pressure. But because it drops your blood pressure, it can be dangerous or life threatening if its combined with sildenafil (Viagra) or other dick (or heart) management medications. Oh btw, they're strictly for inhalation only. Do not lick/drink it. It will permanently damage blood vessels or could turn worse if it reaches main arteries.

For those who don't know poppers, its one of the many alkyl nitrites like amyl nitrite or isopropyl nitrite.

I know someone who died due to some sort of heart issue, so no, not harmless. They were celebrating and bam, heart attack.

Food grade nitrous oxide from the smoke shop is safe, aerosols from the grocery store are not. Always use it sitting down, and don't do stupid shit like put a bag over your head to make the high last longer and you'll be fine. Even if you pass out, you will eventually come to so long as your airway remains unobstructed.

The problem with nitrous is that it's mentally addictive, and tolerance is permanent. Knowing this, I tried to be careful. I have used it maybe 20 times in the past 20 years and I still had to quit forever because it completely lost its mystique. In the beginning it was great for going on a quick 5 minute spiritual journey, but now I need real psychedelics for that.

So if you do decide to get into it, don't be an idiot, use it once every 3-5 years* tops, and enjoy it while it lasts. Then quit when it stops being trippy. Also, don't waste your time with the individual crackers. Just get the big $25 bottle + a pressure regulator and it'll be a lot less work for you.

Not nitrous, but amyl nitrate. Only something I really partake in if a friend is offering. Doesn’t really give me anything I want “solo.”

Never tried it so I can't comment on it. Hell, I've never even heard of it.

They can dangerously lower blood pressure. Vasodilator.

Eye and Vision Damage: Regular contact with the vapors can hurt your retina and cause permanent vision loss or blind spots. It also increases pressure inside the eye, which is dangerous for people with glaucoma.

Skin Problems: You may get a lasting red rash, sores, or irritation around your nose, mouth, lips, and eyes.

Respiratory Issues: Chronic sniffing can lead to bronchitis and ongoing breathing complications.

Brain and Memory Impact: Heavy use is linked to permanent nerve damage, memory loss, and trouble with problem-solving.

A Weakened Immune System

ingestions is worse than being in the nasal membrane?

First, acknowledging op is asking about amyl nitrate, something else entirely.

My experience with nitrous oxide is completely different. I used it regularly throughout my teens and twenties, easily hundreds of times in total. I never developed an appreciable tolerance or had any adverse effects, though I made sure to use it responsibly and to regularly take a B12 supplement with frequent use.

The difference in our experiences just highlights the magnitude of variability in human physiology.

Yeah sorry never heard of it until this thread. TBF, OP used slang terms. They could have just said "amyl nitrate"

Poppers drop blood pressure.