University gym’s bins for steroid syringes
UNIVERSITY bosses have installed sharps bins in a gym to deal with the growing number of steroid users discarding needles.
Glasgow University admitted the move after a number of needles were found.
Health experts have warned of the growing problem of bodyconscious men and women turning to drugs to achieve a ‘ripped’ physique. TV shows such as Love Island have been criticised for promoting unrealistic body images.
A notice in the university’s Stevenson Building gym warns of the ‘unnecessary health risk’ that used needles pose to staff and members.
It adds: ‘Anabolic injections are prohibited within this facility and any member found in breach of this will have their membership revoked. Please ensure the safety and wellbeing of all others.’
Paddy Everingham, president of Glasgow University Sports Association, said: ‘From our point of view we are happy to see the boxes as they improve staff safety. It is plain and simple – don’t do drugs.
‘People need to think about the safety of staff and other members when they use the premises, and I am glad there are steps being taken. This is an issue and we need to deal with it.’
The university gym is open to staff, students and community members who can join without affiliation to the institution.
Soaring numbers of young men are thought to be using performance-enhancing drugs. The number of Police Scotland seizures of anabolic steroids – a Class-C drug – rocketed from three in 2014-15 to 52 in 2016-17.
A Glasgow University spokesman said: ‘People take injections for a number of different reasons so we have always had sharps bins in our facilities. Sharps bins are also used for the disposal of shaving razors. Recently we have installed a notice and sharps bins in toilet cubicles to protect our colleagues and customers from the danger of needles.
‘We have found only a very small number of needles and have taken the opportunity to reiterate strong opposition to any form of illegal or performance-enhancing substances.’