At the height of today’s opioid crisis, illicit fentanyl is at the forefront of lethal street drugs that contribute to the astonishingly high fatal overdoses that are reported in the United States today. The misuse of prescription opioids has no doubt been a cause for concern in recent years, as many potent prescription drugs come with a high risk of addiction. However, illegal fentanyl, being used as a recreational drug, has proven to be some of the deadliest synthetic opiates known today causing first-time users to pay with their lives.
Illicit fentanyl has made its way into virtually every community in the United States, manufactured through illegal drug markets. These illicit drugs have shocked family members as communities continue to report high amounts of fentanyl-related drug overdoses.
The Drug Enforcement Administration recommends extreme caution to those coming into contact with street fentanyl and encourages first responders to follow safety guidelines at all times. As first paramedics and law enforcement personnel continue to respond to many opioid overdose calls, many wonder if fentanyl is potent enough to be absorbed through the skin.
Are First Responders at Risk?
Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid and is at the forefront of many fentanyl-related deaths. Now that illicit fentanyl is so widespread, first responders and law enforcement are now coming into contact with individuals and locations where this synthetic opioid can be found in large quantities. Are these first responders at risk of overdose, experiencing serious side effects, or any effects of opioids?
This is certainly a valid concern among many due to the potency of fentanyl. According to healthandjusticejournal.com, in 2016, the US Drug Enforcement Administration issued misinformation about fentanyl exposure.
It warned that “fentanyl can be absorbed through the skin or accidental inhalation of airborne powder can also occur …. Just touching fentanyl or accidentally inhaling the substance during enforcement activity or field testing the substance can result in absorption through the skin. This no doubt caused widespread concern as many first responders were on high alert coming into contact with individuals involved in fentanyl use.
Recent Clarification
However, in August 2022, The Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (TDMHSAS) and the Department of Health today issued new guidance and information about fentanyl and what to do in case of potential exposure. The comment:
“Illicit fentanyl cannot be absorbed through the skin or by touching an item or surface where it is present. When in powder form, fentanyl and its analogs (including carfentanil and fluorofentanyl) cannot be absorbed through the skin. Dissolving the powder in a liquid does not change this property. Wet objects do not pose an increased risk for an overdose caused by casual exposure.”
A recent effort to separate fact from fiction has made headlines as medical professionals have come forward with the truth. As interviewed by UC Davis Health, Daniel Colby, assistant professor and co-medical director for the Department of Emergency Medicine makes a clear determination on the dangers of fentanyl exposure today, whether it be through transdermal contact or otherwise.
He states: “It is a common misconception that fentanyl can be absorbed through the skin, but it is not true for casual exposure. You can’t overdose on fentanyl by touching a doorknob or dollar bill. The one case in which fentanyl can be absorbed through the skin is with a special doctor-prescribed fentanyl skin patch, and even then, it takes hours of exposure.”
A Final Determination
Illicit fentanyl does not pose a danger to those who come in physical contact with the drug. Illicit fentanyl can’t be absorbed through the skin, unless by use of manufactured transdermal patches, in which case it would take time for the effects to take place.
Illicit fentanyl does not aerosol well so being exposed to fentanyl powder that has become airborne poses minimal risk. Now that the truth has been clarified regarding the dangers of fentanyl exposure, more time can be spent delivering help to overdose victims and giving them appropriate treatment and medical help.
Are First Responders at Risk?
Are First Responders at Risk?
