PCP - 'Embalming Fluid' - 'Wet' - 'Fry'
What Is It and What Do People Think It Is?
v1.0 - Aug 2, 2000
Originally published in ER
Citation: Erowid. "PCP - 'Embalming Fluid' - 'Wet' - 'Fry': What is it and what do people think it is? Erowid.org. Aug 2 2000. Online edition: Erowid.org/chemicals/pcp/pcp_info6.shtml
There appears to be a current trend of the use of substances known alternately by the slang names 'embalming fluid', 'fry', 'formaldehyde', 'wet', 'water', or 'amp'. These are sold in a variety of forms including cannabis joints or regular cigarettes dipped in liquid and cannabis leaf or tea leaves dipped in liquid. In all of these forms, the material is then smoked. Despite the variety of names, there is good reason to believe that these are all various preparations containing PCP.
In most instances PCP is not mentioned when the substance is sold or discussed. In fact, there are constantly re-circulating rumors that substances being sold by these names do not contain PCP, but are instead actually the fluid (formaldehyde) used for embalming as would be used in a mortuary. But there is evidence to support that this is primarily a case of confused slang terms. 'Embalming Fluid' is a common street slang term for PCP and has been for many years. PCP can come in liquid form, so the term 'fluid' is fitting. It is entirely possible (actually quite likely) that the confusion between PCP and embalming fluid (formaldehyde) has gone so far as to cause a new trend where PCP is actually mixed with formaldehye (or other 'embalming fluids') and used as a recreational psychoactive. But there is little evidence that the formaldehyde itself causes any pleasant or desirable effects.
Embalming fluid, as used in a mortuary, is traditionally made from formaldehyde. It does not contain PCP. Formaldehyde and PCP are completely different chemicals, which are not related. Formaldehyde is a known carcinogen linked to nasal and lung cancer, and with possible links to brain cancer and leukemia and should not be smoked.
RELATED LINKS
Fry: A Study of Adolescents Use of 'Embalming Fluid' with Marijuana & Tobacco
Embalming Fluid-Soaked Marijuana: New High or New Guise for PCP?, by J. Holland
Compare PCP & Formaldehyde Molecules
FORMALDEHYDE LINKS
OSHA - Formaldehyde
In most instances PCP is not mentioned when the substance is sold or discussed. In fact, there are constantly re-circulating rumors that substances being sold by these names do not contain PCP, but are instead actually the fluid (formaldehyde) used for embalming as would be used in a mortuary. But there is evidence to support that this is primarily a case of confused slang terms. 'Embalming Fluid' is a common street slang term for PCP and has been for many years. PCP can come in liquid form, so the term 'fluid' is fitting. It is entirely possible (actually quite likely) that the confusion between PCP and embalming fluid (formaldehyde) has gone so far as to cause a new trend where PCP is actually mixed with formaldehye (or other 'embalming fluids') and used as a recreational psychoactive. But there is little evidence that the formaldehyde itself causes any pleasant or desirable effects.
Embalming fluid, as used in a mortuary, is traditionally made from formaldehyde. It does not contain PCP. Formaldehyde and PCP are completely different chemicals, which are not related. Formaldehyde is a known carcinogen linked to nasal and lung cancer, and with possible links to brain cancer and leukemia and should not be smoked.
Fry: A Study of Adolescents Use of 'Embalming Fluid' with Marijuana & Tobacco
Embalming Fluid-Soaked Marijuana: New High or New Guise for PCP?, by J. Holland
Compare PCP & Formaldehyde Molecules
FORMALDEHYDE LINKS
OSHA - Formaldehyde