Opioids are an important class of drugs. They’re responsible for relieving pain from broken bones, surgery, cancer treatment, and many other medical conditions.

Unfortunately, they’re also highly addictive and subject to abuse. In the last several years, one opioid in particular has received a tremendous amount of attention in the news: fentanyl.

What Is Fentanyl?

Fentanyl and several of its derivatives are synthetic opioids. These opioids have therapeutic uses but have now become part of the illicit drug market.

Fentanyl is an incredibly powerful drug – approximately 100 times more potent than morphine and 50 times more potent than heroin. Unfortunately, drug dealers will sometimes lace heroin with these cheap synthetic opioids. As a result, unsuspecting drug users often suffer from overdoses.

Fentanyl Risks for Handlers

Another unfortunate consequence of this practice is the risk these extremely hazardous drugs poses to law enforcement, prison staff, and emergency medical personnel who have to deal with what has become a public health epidemic.

As is the case with any hazard, the level of risk from these substances will depend on the exposure potential. And as every safety professional knows, the exposure potential and risk needs to be determined by conducting a thorough risk assessment. Logically, the risk for law enforcement from raiding an active drug lab is greater than collecting evidence from a crime scene. And those risks are greater than those faced by EMTs providing aid to someone who has overdosed.

Typically encountered in powder form, fentanyl, its derivatives, or laced heroin all present both inhalation and dermal exposure risks. The greatest exposure risk is through inhalation, which also carries the potential for respiratory failure. Although less severe, dermal contact still poses a serious secondary exposure risk that must also be protected against.

PPE for Fentanyl Exposure

In most cases, standard Tyvek® garments are acceptable for handling hazardous particles. Fentanyl, however, is the exception. Its high potency has to be taken in consideration, and those who handle fentanyl and similarly potent powders are strongly advised to use a taped seam garment.

For high-risk exposure incidents, such as raids on drug labs, an SCBA or an encapsulating suit may be needed. For lower risk situations where the chance of dermal contact is minimal, like treating the victim of an overdose, Tyvek® 600 and Tyvek® 800J are excellent options.

In all cases, a hazard assessment should determine which PPE ensemble is suitable for the risks.

Conclusion

Fentanyl is at the epicenter of a deadly crisis. Using the right PPE will ensure that you don’t become another one of its victims.

For more information on DuPont protective apparel, visit DuPont™ SafeSPEC™.

This Safety Moment was written and edited by Safeopedia and its staff. It is based on a technical bulletin on DuPont™ SafeSPEC™.