Fentanyl and First Responder Protective Gloves:  What you should know to protect your team!

Fentanyl, a synthetic opioid pain reliever, is a formidable challenge for our dedicated law enforcement professionals. It’s a substance that demands our utmost attention. This potent synthetic opioid is a staggering 50-100 times more powerful than morphine and 30-50 times more potent than heroin. Illicit and synthetic variations of fentanyl have given rise to a significant threat, leading to overdoses and putting our first responders and law enforcement personnel in the line of duty at risk.

Often concealed within other street drugs, fentanyl is a hidden danger that can result in overdose deaths and severe health complications. In 2021, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported over 71,000 tragic deaths due to synthetic opioid overdoses, up from 58,000 in 2020. Fentanyl overdoses now rank among the leading causes of death for individuals aged 18 to 45 in our country.

How can one be exposed to fentanyl? Various potential exposure routes raise concerns, including inhaling fentanyl-containing powders or aerosols, contact with mucous membranes, ingestion, or exposure through breaks in the skin, like needlestick injuries. Any of these exposure routes can trigger a range of symptoms, even potentially leading to life-threatening respiratory depression. While skin contact is a possible exposure route, it’s less likely to result in overdose unless there are prolonged exposures to liquid or powdered forms. Brief skin contact with illicit fentanyl isn’t expected to have toxic effects, provided any visible contamination is swiftly removed.

Do you need fentanyl gloves? If you’re a first responder, a healthcare professional, or involved in law enforcement and face potential fentanyl exposure on a regular basis, a fentanyl glove is a crucial protective tool.

Are fentanyl gloves different in terms of production or composition? No, a fentanyl-rated glove typically undergoes the same manufacturing process and features similar material composition as an examination glove.

So, what distinguishes an exam glove from a glove with a fentanyl rating? The key difference lies in the rigorous testing process. Fentanyl-rated gloves are tested to meet the ASTM D6978 standard, ensuring resistance to fentanyl permeation for up to 240 minutes. These tests are conducted by independent third-party laboratories, validating the performance and safety of these gloves for those who face the unique challenges of fentanyl exposure in their line of duty.

NBS Protection Glove products that are rated for fentanyl protection all meet the ASTM D6978 standard, so you can be certain you’re protecting your first line responders with the best product for the job.