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Protecting First Responders from Fentanyl Exposure

What is FENTANYL?

Fentanyl is a powerful drug which is approximately 50-100 times more potent than heroin and morphine. It has become popular among illicit street drugs as a cutting agent, in direct substitution for heroin, or in the manufacturing of counterfeit Oxycodone pills. Fentanyl can be compared to taking 500 to 1,000 codeine pills. There are several different types of fentanyl. Carfentanil is one potent fentanyl analogue; an amount of carfentanil as small as a snow flake can kill a human.

Fentanyl is extremely hazardous to responders who may come into contact with these drugs. Fentanyl exposure may be lethal. Possible exposure routes vary based on the source and form of the drug. Responders may encounter illicitly manufactured fentanyl in powder, tablet, or liquid form. Potential exposure routes of greatest concern include inhalation, mucous membrane contact, ingestion, and percutaneous exposure (e.g., needle stick) and skin contact.

All first responders (Law enforcement, Fire, Rescue, and Emergency Medical service (EMS) personnel are increasingly likely to encounter Fentanyl in their daily activities (e.g. responding to overdose calls, conducting traffic stops, arrest, and searches).

The role of Nitrile Gloves in Protecting First Responders from Fentanyl Exposure

CDC – NIOSH STANDARDS FOR NITRILE GLOVE FENTANYL PROTECTION

The Tests

  1. A section of Nitrile glove film is placed in a chemical – in this case fentanyl Citrate or gastric acid – on one side and a chemical detector on the other side in accordance with ASTM D6978-19 Standard Practice for Assessment of Medical Grade Nitrile Gloves to Permeation by Fentanyl.
  2. The point at which the chemical reaches a predetermined threshold on the opposite side of the glove film is called the breakthrough time.
  3. These tests are typically run for 240 minutes (4 hours) for chemotherapy agents or Fentanyl, and if there is no breakthrough in that time, the glove’s breakthrough time is listed as greater than 240 minutes (4 hours).
  4. SAFECARE GLOVES Medical Grade Nitrile gloves have tested to greater than 240 minutes (4 hours).

NIOSH’s current opioid glove recommendations – Powder-free Medical Grade Nitrile gloves should be worn with a minimum thickness of 5+ mil.

ALL THE FOLLOWING GLOVES MEET OR EXCEED ASTM D6978-19 STANDARD

Guidelines for Protecting First Responders from Fentanyl Exposure

HERE IS WHAT ILLEGAL FENTANYL DRUGS LOOK LIKE (DEA)

CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL (CDC) FENTANYL SAFETY GUIDELINES

Nitrile gloves are part of the first-line defense in high-risk environments