Fentanyl and Narcotics Contamination Assessments in Buildings and Vehicles
There is an ever-growing awareness and concern of Fentanyl use and the resultant contamination in buildings and vehicles from illicit drug use. Fentanyl is a highly potent synthetic opioid which rapidly acts to depress the central nervous system and respiratory function. Opioids interact with opioid receptors in the brain and elicit a range of responses within the body; from feelings of pain relief, to relaxation, pleasure and contentment.
Fentanyl and its analogues pose a potential hazard to persons who could come into contact with these drugs. Possible exposure routes to fentanyl and its analogues can vary based on the source and form of the drug. Persons are most likely to encounter illicitly manufactured fentanyl and its analogues in powder, tablet, and liquid form. Potential exposure routes of greatest concern include inhalation, mucous membrane contact, ingestion, and percutaneous exposure (e.g., needle puncture). Any of these exposure routes can potentially result in a variety of symptoms that can include the rapid onset of life-threatening respiratory depression.
Skin contact is also a potential exposure route, but is not likely to lead to overdose unless large volumes of highly concentrated powder are encountered over an extended period of time. Brief skin contact with fentanyl or its analogues is not expected to lead to toxic effects if any visible contamination is promptly removed.
Currently, there are no established federal or consensus occupational exposure limits for fentanyl or its analogues. However, the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS) states the lethal dose of fentanyl is approximately 2 milligrams (mg) of pure fentanyl, roughly equivalent to four grains of salt, which would kill the average adult. However, this varies and is subject to many other factors, such as the persons weight and opioid tolerance.
A building or vehicle can become easily contaminated with fentanyl and other illicit narcotics from drug users. This is a concern for all persons entering a building or vehicle where such drug use has taken place and those environments need to be assessed prior to entry to ensure the safety and wellbeing of those persons. A small accidental exposure can lead to significant adverse health effects which could be fatal in persons unaware there is a hazard or who are not properly safeguarded against the hazard.
We have recently begun a working relationship with a specialty narcotics restoration company and have access to real-time portable scanning equipment to test for a library of narcotics in a building or vehicle, including fentanyl. Swab samples can be collected on surfaces and analyzed within one minute in real time down to the nanogram in detection sensitivity. Additional narcotics that can be assessed and identified include but are not limited to; amphetamine, buprenorphine, cocaine, ephedrine/pseudoephedrine, heroin, ketamine, MDA, MDMA, methamphetamine, morphine, papaverine, pethidine, THC, tramadol, acetylfentanyl, butyrfentanyl, carfentanyl, furanylfentanyl, 3-methylfentanyl and W-18. There is also the capability to test for the qualitative presence or absence of fentanyl and other compounds in the air in addition to surface samples. This is key in identifying if contamination is present within a building or vehicle so proper safeguards can be put into place for persons that may be exposed.
We undertake assessments of buildings and vehicles for fentanyl and other narcotics contamination and can fully scan all areas of either to determine if concerns are present. We can also collect additional samples to be submitted to the laboratory if required for additional confirmation. We provide professional reports with detailed remediation and abatement protocols to be followed by certified contractors which are based on industry best practices currently available.
There are currently no established standards or guidelines in place for Fentanyl, although some are to be developed shortly. We have reviewed the drafts of some of these proposals, but cannot reference them at this time as more work is required to finalize this framework.
In general, there are three levels of required work procedures, depending on the level of fentanyl contamination present:
Level I – Low Level of Contamination
Level II – Moderate/Medium Level of Contamination
Level III – High Level of Contamination
Following our report outlining the required remedial scope of work, we undertake any additional inspections required throughout the project until it is completed. We then re-attend at the site to reassess the building or vehicle involved and collect additional swab samples to analyze in real time to ensure no remaining contamination or hazards are present on any surface, including building HVAC systems. Additional clearance samples are also typically collected as an additional measure and are submitted to a laboratory for analysis to ensure the remediation was fully completed. A final clearance report is then authored outlining the results of our assessment and testing and the project is complete when the environment is deemed safe. This is critical to protect the future liability of homeowners, insurers and other stakeholders involved. We are always here to answer any questions you may have. Our team looks forward to assisting you on your next project.
