L2: Occupational Exposure to Fentanyl and Other Illicit Drugs

Kansas City Convention Center 

Room: 2505 A 

CM Credit Hours: 1 

The preferred mode of consumption of illicit drugs such as fentanyl and heroin, cocaine, methamphetamines, and benzodiazepines) has shifted to inhalation in the past several years. Workers in healthcare, first responders, law enforcement, public transit, and harm reduction are potentially exposed to airborne drug residues and contact with contaminated surfaces. The ACGIH has published a TLV® for both airborne and surface exposure to fentanyl. Validated methods for sampling of airborne and surface contamination by such drugs are lacking. Significant misinformation about the risks posed by fentanyl and other illicit drugs and the lack of exposure data has hampered the development of OHS policies and control procedures. This session will discuss: 1) the current research into methods for the sampling and analysis of airborne and surface contamination by fentanyl and other illicit drugs, particularly over short periods; 2) the development of validated surface-wipe methods for these drugs; and 3) the characterization of exposures in various occupational settings.

Upon completion, the participant will be able to:

• Describe issues and challenges in assessing exposure risk to illicit drugs in the workplace.
• Discuss methods of short-term exposure measurement and obtaining time-course data.
• Interpret short-term and other exposure data in exposure control plans. 

Intermediate

Polling

Q&A

Corporation/Company

Healthcare/Pharma

Also part of the Virtual Program

Available as part of AIHA Connect OnDemand

Chemical Hazards

Hazard Recognition/Exposure Assessment

Sampling and Analysis