Characterizing Short-term Exposure to Fentanyl when Indoor Smoking Occurs
Project Overview
The Characterizing Short-term Exposure to Fentanyl when Indoor Smoking Occurs project is a research initiative led by the University of British Columbia’s (UBC) School of Population & Public Health, funded by WorkSafeBC. This project aims to assess the concentrations of drugs, particularly fentanyl, released into the air during and after smoking events in typical commercial buildings. Given the shift in drug consumption methods from injection to smoking, this study addresses the urgent need to understand the risks posed by second-hand exposure to airborne drugs, which directly affects workers in sectors such as healthcare, housing, and emergency services.
Concerns Addressed
As inhalation becomes the predominant method of drug consumption, the risk of second-hand exposure to illicit drugs has escalated. Workers in various fields are increasingly at risk, but limited research has been done to quantify the exposure levels of airborne substances like fentanyl during and after smoking events. This knowledge gap has resulted in inconsistent safety protocols, leading to uncertainty and stress among workers about potential health impacts.
Goals and Objectives
This project seeks to address critical questions regarding second-hand exposure to fentanyl and other drugs by:
- Measuring Airborne Drug Concentrations: Investigating the concentration levels of drugs in the air during and after smoking in commercial building environments.
- Assessing Environmental Factors: Evaluating how environmental conditions (e.g., room size, ventilation) and smoking methods affect the distribution of airborne substances.
- Developing Safety Protocols: Providing evidence-based recommendations for worker safety, including the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and ventilation systems.
Funders & Key Stakeholders
- WorkSafeBC: The primary funder, supporting research to ensure workplace safety and reduce worker exposure to harmful substances.
- UBC School of Population & Public Health: The research team driving data collection, analysis, and knowledge translation.
- Inhalation Overdose Prevention Sites (iOPS): Partner sites where real-world field testing and data collection will take place.
- Provincial Agencies & Harm Reduction Services: Engaged in shaping policy recommendations based on the findings of the study.
Impact and Deliverables
This project will deliver:
- Innovative Sampling Device: A state-of-the-art 16-port inhalable sampler, specifically designed for drug exposure assessment.
- Quantitative Field Data: Detailed data on drug concentrations in the air during and after smoking events across different environments.
- Policy Recommendations: Guidelines for appropriate ventilation systems and PPE usage in workplaces where second-hand drug exposure is a risk.
- Knowledge Sharing: Comprehensive dissemination of the findings through open-access publications, webinars, and policy briefings to provincial agencies and harm reduction services.
Characterizing Exposure to Fentanyl and Other Illicit Drugs via Contaminated Surfaces
Our second project titled “Analytical Sampling Method Development: Surface-Wipe Sampling for Fentanyl and Other Illicit Drugs” seeks to examine and characterize exposure to Fentanyl and Other Illicit Drugs via contaminated surfaces in various workplaces.