Smoking crack can lead to open sores, burns or cuts on the lips, which can transfer blood to a crack pipe. If the pipe is shared, even a speck of infected blood can transmit hepatitis C. Sharing means anything like borrowing, lending, passing on, buying, selling, reusing, receiving or taking any equipment that was used by someone else. Some people do not identify risk with the word “sharing” or when reusing involves a close sexual partner (like a boyfriend or girlfriend).
Some harm reduction agencies and public health units have taken the lead in putting together and distributing kits that contain the materials needed to make smoking crack safer. Here is an example:
Unfortunately, safer crack kits that have the materials to make a safer crack pipe are not available in all communities.
The harm reduction information that follows is offered as a public health service. Its purpose is not to encourage or condone the use or possession of illegal drugs. It is to help people make safer choices in their use of drugs that will reduce the spread of Hep C and HIV.
Pyrex Pipe/Glass Stem
Pipes made of plastic, cans or copper add to the dangers of smoking crack by releasing toxic fumes when heated or burned. Thin glass pipes break easily and can lead to cuts. Pyrex pipes are safest because they do not break down when heated and do not conduct heat as much as other materials, so burns are less frequent. Some harm reduction services and needle exchange programs provide Pyrex pipe stems in safer crack kits.
Metal Pipe Screen
Brass screens are safer to use than steel wool or “Brillo”. In order to prevent the screens from coming loose and presenting a choking hazard when sucked into the throat,
five to six screens need to be rolled up tightly and pushed into the glass stem with a chopstick, which will make sure they are firmly in place. Replacing these periodically will also prevent choking as they may come loose after being heated. It is important to avoid using steel wool or “Brillo” as pieces of these materials frequently come loose when the crack vapours are inhaled. These pieces end up on the lips (causing sores and burns) or are sucked into the throat and lungs (where they cause more damage).
Mouthpiece
To prevent burns, the mouth end of the pipe must be insulated with a rubber or plastic mouthpiece. Lip balm, especially containing vitamin E, can help protect and heal chapped or injured lips.
Sex and Crack
Crack may increase sex drive or make a person sexually passive and could lead to people engaging in unprotected sex. Having open sores on the mouth or lips is a possible way to transmit Hep C during oral sex. Part of planning for crack use means taking condoms, dental dams and lube along. They are often included in safer crack kits that are distributed by some needle exchange programs.
Prepping Before Using
Planning how much to use and setting limits can prevent some of the dangers associated with using or bingeing. Paying rent, buying groceries and paying other bills before buying drugs means budgets won’t get out of control. After a binge, people are often very hungry and ready to crash, so encouraging people to have food on hand and a safe place to sleep will make the crash easier.
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