A new study published in Drug and Alcohol Review has uncovered worrying evidence of toxic heavy metals in anabolic–androgenic steroids (AAS) circulating in Australia’s unregulated market.
What the study found
Researchers analysed commonly available steroid products and discovered that several contained unsafe levels of contaminants, including lead, arsenic, and cadmium. These impurities often exceeded the limits set by the Therapeutic Goods Authority (TGA) for approved medicines, raising serious concerns for users’ long-term health.
Why it matters
While the physical risks of steroid use are well known, this study highlights an often-overlooked danger: hidden contaminants from unregulated supply chains. Exposure to heavy metals can lead to irreversible damage, affecting the brain, kidneys, liver, and cardiovascular system.
The findings underline the importance of:
- Greater awareness of the hidden risks of illicit AAS use.
- Continued monitoring and regulation of black-market substances.
- Providing users with evidence-based harm-reduction information.
Read the full article
This research was co-authored by Alison Craven and colleagues, and published in Drug and Alcohol Review (July 2025).
Read the full article HERE.
