Poppers are highly acidic and will burn surfaces including your skin, especially around your nostrils, if you sniff them too close to the nose. Popper burns are a common side effect. Poppers are sometimes linked to risky sexual behaviour and, because of the intensity you feel when sniffing them, you may get caught up in the moment (and pleasure) and opt for condomless sex. Because poppers expand the blood vessels inside the ass, the chance of tearing increases, which makes it easier for HIV or Hep C to enter the bloodstream. Poppers can also lead to rougher sex, like fisting, which also increases the chance of tearing or bleeding.