Characterizing Exposure to Fentanyl and Other Illicit Drugs via Contaminated Surfaces
Project Overview
The Analytical Sampling Method Development: Surface-Wipe Sampling for Fentanyl and Other Illicit Drugs project develops and validates a standardized method to identify and quantify surface contamination by illicit drugs in occupational settings. Workers in healthcare, harm reduction, law enforcement, and emergency response services may face second-hand exposure to these substances through contaminated surfaces. While the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) have established a new Threshold Limit Values for Surface Limit (TLV-SL) for fentanyl, no standard, validated testing method currently exists to support this occupational exposure limit (OEL).
The primary goal of our research is to enhance risk assessment strategies concerning drug exposure in workplace settings. This project will provide critical guidance for employers and policy makers to aid in the development of evidence-based safety protocols, where there is currently a lack of measurement data, reducing health risks associated with surface exposure to hazardous substances.
Concerns Addressed
Due to the emerging nature of this occupational hazard, there is a lack of exposure data to characterize the hazard and risk in various occupational settings. The development of a validated surface-wipe sampling methodology will enable systematic collection of exposure data. This will help occupational health and safety (OHS) stakeholders to perform a comprehensive risk assessment, establish best practices, evidence-based control measures, and safety protocols for managing potential exposure. The findings will also help address the rising misinformation related to exposure risks and pathways and inform targeted knowledge translation activities.
Goals and Objectives
This project seeks to address critical questions regarding second-hand exposure to fentanyl and other illicit drugs by:
- Method Development: Developing a validated wipe-sampling method for fentanyl, methamphetamine, cocaine, heroin, etizolam, and bromazolam.
- Pilot Field Sampling: Pilot test and validate the new method in various high-risk work environments and evaluate other determinants of exposure.
- Creating an Occupational Exposure Database: Provide accurate data on drug contamination of surfaces in diverse work environments (e.g., in health care, safe consumption sites, and in first-responder and enforcement agency work sites).
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); Shelter Homes and Healthcare settings: Partner sites where real-world field testing and data collection will take place.
Impact and Deliverables
Generally, this project will provide much needed information which combined with the new ACGIH TLVs for fentanyl will contribute to improved understanding of health risks.
Upon successful completion, this project will foster safer workplace environments and contribute to the scientific community by:
- Establishing validated sampling methods.
- Providing actionable data that informs safety protocols.
- Enhancing the collective understanding of drug residue impact on public and occupational health.