Fentanyl and its derivates are potent synthetic opioids that may be absorbed through the skin. This may be a hazard for first responders and acquaintances of a person using the drug.
Contamination of surfaces can occur:
(1) during production
(2) during distribution
(3) after a spill
(4) while handling with unprotected hands
Personal protective equipment (PPE) can prevent absorption.
Rinsing with water removes most fentanyl from nonporous surfaces but run-off may be a problem.
Surface decontamination can remove the drug. Solutions able to degrade fentanyl on surfaces (through oxidation) include:
(1) peracetic acid (preferred)
(2) acetified bleach oxidants (preferred)
(3) pH neutral bleach
(4) OxiClean
(5) Elbow Grease
To read more or access our algorithms and calculators, please log in or register.
