Occupational Exposure Risks from Contact with Fentanyl or Other Illicit Drugs

Recently, a police officer in Hawaii had to self-administer a dose of Narcan after feeling ill when responding to an overdose call. According to media reports, the officer feared she had been exposed to fentanyl.

Fentanyl is increasingly being found in states all across the country. In June of this year, the Hawaii Police Department issued a warning to the public about the dangers of illicit fentanyl. In their media release, the department stated it was seeing an increase in the amount of fentanyl being recovered in conjunction with recent drug investigations.

Since fentanyl and other illicit drugs come in many forms, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) warns that emergency responders can come into contact with them by:

• Breathing (Inhalation)
• Eating (Ingestion)
• Touching eyes, nose or mouth with contaminated hands or gloves or when illicit drugs come into contact with the eyes, nose or mouth directly (Mucosal)
• Liquid illicit drugs may be absorbed by the skin (Dermal)
• Being stuck by a needle (Percutaneous)

“It’s not unusual for emergency responders and workers in other occupations to come across an unknown substance,” said Joe Frasca, Senior Vice President of Marketing at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “If that substance turns out to be fentanyl, or another dangerous drug, they could be putting their lives at risk. To help in these situations, EMSL Analytical provides drug and unknown substance testing services. Our scientists can identify fentanyl, methamphetamine, heroin, ecstasy, cocaine, THC, MDMA, LSD and other illicit drugs. Test results can be instrumental in making sure dangerous substances are handled and disposed of properly.”

Several years ago, EMSL sponsored an educational video about fentanyl and potential occupational exposure that can still be seen at: https://youtu.be/EHnJ6ed0esI

To learn more about fentanyl or other illicit drug, industrial hygiene, environmental, health and safety testing services, please visit www.EMSL.com, email info@EMSL.com or call (800) 220-3675.

About EMSL Analytical, Inc.

EMSL Analytical is one of the leading testing laboratories throughout the United States and Canada. EMSL is a nationally recognized and locally focused provider specializing in fast laboratory results for mold, bacteria, Legionella, USP 797, pathogens, asbestos, lead, soot, char & ash from fires, VOC’s, odors, radon, formaldehyde, indoor air quality, microbiology, environmental, industrial hygiene, radiological, food, beverage & consumer products, and material testing services for the identification of unknown substances. EMSL services both professionals and the general public. EMSL maintains an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies including, but not limited to A2LA, AIHA-LAP, LLC (AIHA-LAP, LLC EMLAP, AIHA-LAP, LLC IHLAP, AIHA-LAP, LLC ELLAP), NVLAP, CDC ELITE, CPSC, CA ELAP, NY ELAP, TX DOH, NJDEP, and multiple other state accrediting agencies. Please visit our website at www.EMSL.com for a complete listing of accreditations. In addition, EMSL carries a wide range of Sampling Equipment and Investigative Products for environmental professionals.

Contact Information

Joseph Frasca

Senior Vice President of Marketing

EMSL Analytical, Inc.

(1) 856-303-2503

Contact via E-mail