Nurses, physicians, paramedics, and other healthcare workers who interact with patients and handle drugs may be exposed to illicit fentanyl and its analogs. This is different from the hazards of exposed by pharmaceutical fentanyl which is used frequently in hospitals for patient care. Law enforcement and supporting personnel such as crime lab workers, fire service workers, firefighters, and hazmat team members may be exposed. In-house first responders working in general industry and construction may also be exposed to illicit fentanyl when treating or encountering drug using employees.
Workers who may encounter fentanyl or fentanyl analogs should be trained to recognize the signs and symptoms of opioid intoxication, have naloxone (generic name for Narcan) readily available, and be trained to administer naloxone and provide medical assistance. Symptoms can occur with fentanyl doses as low as 2.5 micrograms. Overexposure can produce symptoms such as:
- Shortness of breath.
- Slowing of the central nervous system including breathing and pulse.
- Drowsiness.
- Reduced level of or loss of consciousness.
What is illicit fentanyl? It is fentanyl that is illegally manufactured and distributed through illegal drug markets. It may also include legally manufactured pharmaceutical fentanyl that is diverted for unapproved use. Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic drug and is significantly more powerful than other opioids. It may be 50 to 100 times more potent than heroin. It is highly addictive, potentially deadly, while individuals may unknowingly take fentanyl when mixed with other drugs or disguised with prescription pills.
How to protect employees from exposure:
- Train workers to identify situations where fentanyl exposure is possible and recognize its different forms.
- Wear personal protective equipment such as gloves, eye and face protection, and respirators.
- Decontaminate exposed skin with soap and water, remove contaminated clothing, clean surfaces as recommended by the CDC, and use HEPA vacuums to remove dust.
- For emergencies have on hand naloxone.
In 2022, there were 73,838 deaths involving synthetic opioids other than methadone. About 525 workers died from unintentional overdoses the same year. Although the number for workers is less, it has been growing every year. It is important that employers recognize this threat to their workers and make the necessary steps to protect them.
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