Fentanyl Exposure
It’s really not possible to be passively exposed to fentanyl to a degree at which you would develop clinical symptoms, certainly not overdose - Lewis Nelson MD
image by: U.S. Customs and Border Protection
HWN Suggests
Fentanyl Exposure: Myths, Misconceptions, and the Media
Fear of exposure to the synthetic opioid fentanyl first spread through the ranks of police and has since been broadcast to the public through hundreds of dramatic, sensational, and factually inaccurate news reports. Despite numerous refutations and debunkings, news reports continue to claim that police officers around the country suffer grave symptoms, including overdose, after passive, incidental contact with fentanyl. Fentanyl is indeed a potent opioid responsible for tens of thousands of deaths annually. And small doses can be deadly. But the dangers of touching fentanyl or being in its presence have been greatly exaggerated by police and the news media, contributing to a distorted public…
Featured
After My Brother’s Overdose Death, Misinformed People Added to Our Grief
For the past few years, over 70,000 overdose deaths in the United States have involved synthetic opioids, primarily fentanyl and its analogues. Most families grieving these deaths won’t have a doctor in the family to dispute misconceptions perpetuated by law enforcement, funeral homes and others. How many American families are being unnecessarily deprived of a somber, sacred moment based on stigma and rumors?
Articles of Interest
Can touch this: training to correct police officer beliefs about overdose from incidental contact with fentanyl
Misinformation about overdose risk from accidentally inhaling or touching fentanyl is widespread among police in the United States. This may aggravate already elevated burdens of officer stress and burnout, while chilling lifesaving overdose response. Police education has shown promise in reducing false beliefs about fentanyl.
Cops say they're being poisoned by fentanyl. Experts say the risk is 'extremely low'
Reports of police suffering severe medical symptoms after touching or inhaling powdered fentanyl are common, occurring "every few weeks" around the U.S. according to experts interviewed by NPR. But many experts say these officers aren't experiencing fentanyl or opioid overdoses.
Fear, Loathing and Fentanyl Exposure
It’s almost impossible to ingest opioids by accident, but misinformation has triggered a panic about the risks.
The Viral Story About the Cop Who Overdosed by Touching Fentanyl Is Nonsense
The terrifying tale has been reported as fact, but toxicologists doubt that it is medically possible.
What’s Really Going on in Those Police Fentanyl Exposure Videos?
It’s nearly impossible for an overdose to be caused by brief contact with the drug. It is possible these videos will worsen the danger for those truly at risk.
‘Passive’ fentanyl exposure: more myth than reality
Reports of fentanyl-related passive toxicity has led to the release of hyperbolic warnings and burdensome recommendations by Drug Enforcement Administration, including the use of extensive personal protective equipment, such as gloves, paper coveralls, eye protection, and even particulate respirators. We believe that such responses to passive casualties from fentanyl are excessive and may actually interfere with the ability of first responders and others to do their jobs.
Resources
Fentanyl Facts
It is critical people understand that touching fentanyl, being in a room with fentanyl, accidentally inhaling fentanyl, or touching someone who touched fentanyl will not harm them.
