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We perceive persons are involved about secondhand publicity to fentanyl smoke. The Op-Ed “Jail and treatment can work together in helping WA drug crisis” [July 20, Opinion] incorrectly acknowledged that fentanyl “poses main well being dangers … to those that could inadvertently breathe in its smoke.”
Whereas folks have sought well being care resulting from issues about inadvertent or secondhand publicity to fentanyl, there have been no medically documented instances of fentanyl (a kind of opioid) intoxication or overdose ensuing from secondhand publicity. In Washington state in 2022, 1,762 folks died from an overdose involving “different artificial opioids,” primarily fentanyl. None are identified to have been resulting from secondhand publicity.
It’s secure to assist somebody who seems to be having an opioid overdose from fentanyl. If we need to meaningfully deal with the crises of overdose and opioid use dysfunction, we should always make all evidence-based interventions broadly accessible, together with the overdose reversal remedy naloxone and the remedy medicines methadone and buprenorphine.
To study extra about fentanyl, please see two assets we’ve got collectively developed: “Fentanyl Exposure FAQs” and an informational flyer, “Responding to Scenes with Suspected Fentanyl or Other Opioids Present: It’s Safe for Law Enforcement to Assist.”
Scott Phillips, M.D., government/medical director, Washington Poison Middle, and Caleb Banta-Inexperienced, Ph.D., analysis professor, College of Washington College of Medication
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