Emergency Responders in California at Risk of Exposure to Fentanyl and Other Illicit Drugs

Earlier this year, three California first responders were likely exposed to fentanyl when they responded to a hotel that had been converted to housing for the homeless. The building was being evacuated due to issues with the building’s sewer lines and the incident occurred when two sheriff’s deputies and a firefighter walked into an open hotel room that contained a substance believed to be fentanyl. Fortunately, all three were treated at a local hospital and later released.

Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is 50 to 100 times stronger than morphine. A lethal dose is just 2 milligrams in most people. The drug has been a major concern as the abuse and illegal use of pharmaceutical and clandestinely produced fentanyl has been found nationwide. It is increasingly also being used as an additive with other illicit drugs such as heroin, cocaine, meth, and MDMA to increase the potency of those drugs.

“With fentanyl’s growing use, emergency responders are increasingly being put at risk of exposure when they respond to calls,” said Joseph Frasca, Senior Vice President of Marketing at LA Testing. “To address this, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) has published information to help prevent occupational exposures. The agency mentions the following four job categories as workers at risk, they include those involved with pre-hospital patient care; law enforcement; investigation and evidence handling; and special operations and decontamination.”

LA Testing’s national network of laboratories offers drug and unknown substance testing services to identify hazardous materials. LA Testing has even sponsored an educational video about fentanyl and potential occupational exposure that can be seen at: https://youtu.be/EHnJ6ed0esI.

To learn more about fentanyl or other illicit drugs, industrial hygiene, environmental, health, and safety testing services, please visit www.LATesting.com, email  info@LATesting.com , or call (800) 755-1794.


About LA Testing
LA Testing is California’s leading laboratory for indoor air quality testing of asbestos, mold, lead, VOCs, formaldehyde, soot, char, ash, and smoke damage, particulates, and other chemicals. In addition, LA Testing offers a full range of air sampling and investigative equipment to professionals and the general public. LA Testing maintains an extensive list of accreditations including AIHA-LAP, LLC (AIHA-LAP, LLC EMLAP, AIHA-LAP, LLC IHLAP, AIHA-LAP, LLC ELLAP), CDC ELITE, NVLAP, State of California, State of Hawaii Department of Health, and other states. LA Testing, along with the EMSL Analytical, Inc. network, has multiple laboratories throughout California including South Pasadena, Huntington Beach, San Leandro, San Diego, and Ontario.

Contact Information

Joseph Frasca

Senior Vice President of Marketing

LA Testing

(1) 856-303-2503

Contact via E-mail