Fentanyl Safety

Fentanyl, carfentanil and other synthetic opioids are typically referred to as fentanyl analogues. Fentanyl is one-hundred times (x100) more potent that morphine, and carfentanil is one-hundred (x100) more potent than fentanyl or ten-thousand times (x10,000) more potent than morphine. Exposure to these substances by skin, soft membranes or breathing in fine particles of the drugs suspended in the air is dangerous given the incredibly small overdose amounts due to their potency.

While aimed primarily at law enforcement and other first responders, the likelihood of encountering these substances is on the rise due to their increased trafficking, abuse and prevalence, so we are sharing these safety protocols with the general public so that you will be informed and prepared to safely deal with the substance, notify law enforcement, or respond to exposures in yourself and others.

Refer to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency's (DEA) releases on Fentanyl Information, Fentanyl Safety and Carfentanil Safety for more information.

Identification

Fentanyl analogues come in several forms:

Powder
Tablets
Capsules
Solutions
Rocks (small crystals)

Powders and crystals are most often found in white, off-white or grayish colors, but as with other forms traffickers may have colored the substance to resemble other substances (or even in bright "rainbow" colors). Fentanyl is also pressed into counterfeit pills made to look like legitimate prescription medications, or in some cases innocuous tablets like candy or mints. It can also be found in liquid form, and concealed in eye droppers, nasal spray containers, etc., or applied to blotter papers or premade candies.

Due to the extreme dangers of fentanyl analogues, it's best to assume any unknown, unfamiliar or unaccounted for medications, liquids, etc. could potentially contain fentanyl.

Protection

While there are many myths surrounding fentanyl, there are some simple and effect ways and personal protective equipment (PPE) you can use to protect yourself from exposure:

Don't handle or disturb a substance suspected to be fentanyl - especially powder
Wear medical examination gloves when fentanyl contamination is suspected
Avoid actions that may cause powder to become airborne
If able, wear NIOSH-approved respirator/mask and eye protection

When Exposure Occurs

Immediately CALL 911, and prevent further exposure/contamination
DO NOT touch your eyes, mouth, nose or skin after touching something contaminated
DO NOT use hand sanitizers to clean - it increases skin absorption
Wash and rinse skin thoroughly with cool water AND soap if available
If safe to do so, carefully remove and very carefully bag contaminated clothing, shoes, etc.
Be especially careful when sealing bags containing suspected fentanyl analogues or contaminated items as the powder could become airborne

Exposure Symptoms

If you or someone else begins to exhibit these symptoms:

Slow or No breathing
Drowsiness or Unresponsiveness
Constricted or Pinpoint Pupils

Immediately move away from the source and CALL 911.

If you have training and naloxone on hand, administer it after calling 911 according to protocol. If you are alone, onset of severe overdose symptoms following exposure may occur very quickly - faster than you will likely realize.

If necessary, especially without naloxone to give, CPR and safety breathing can be used until EMS arrives, but be especially cautious of exposure and utilize PPE to minimize risk.