MSU Extension Michigan Substance Use, Prevention, Education and Recovery (MiSUPER)

This is part of a series covering myths about fentanyl. Read part two here, part three here, and part four here. 

There are many different myths about fentanyl that are shared in the news, on social media posts, and through word of mouth. Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is 50 to 100 times as strong as morphine and used to treat severe pain in medical settings. While it is true that fentanyl can be very dangerous when used outside of a controlled medical setting and is responsible for most drug overdose deaths, there are many ways to protect yourself and others from fentanyl exposure properly. It is important that we address these myths so our communities feel better prepared to address the opioid overdose crisis together.

In part 1 of this article series, we will address two popular fentanyl myths about overdose risk and explain why they are incorrect. In part 2, we will discuss myths about Narcan/naloxone. Part 3 will focus on the media stories about first responders’ exposure to fentanyl. Finally, Part 4 will provide an overview of where these myths come from and how they spread.

Myth #1: Accidentally touching or breathing in fentanyl is likely to cause an overdose.

Fact: Fentanyl does not easily absorb through your skin and is unlikely to be airborne.

The American College of Medical Toxicology (ACMT) and American Academy of Clinical Toxicology (AACT) released a joint statement explaining that “…based on our understanding of fentanyl and its analogs, it is very unlikely that small, unintentional skin exposures to tablets or powder would cause significant opioid toxicity, and if toxicity were to occur, it would not develop rapidly, allowing time for removal.”

Fentanyl — in any form — does not absorb through your skin easily, and if anyone comes into contact with fentanyl, they will have time to wash it off before an overdose could occur. Standard personal protective equipment, such as gloves and masks, are typically enough to protect someone from unwanted exposure to fentanyl.

Experts from these institutions also state that it is unlikely for powdered opioid particles to remain suspended in the air long enough at a concentration that would be considered dangerous. This means that a dangerous amount of fentanyl is very unlikely to be breathed in. Simply being near fentanyl without a way for it to enter your bloodstream cannot result in opioid toxicity.

Myth #2: There is no way to tell if drugs contain fentanyl.

Fact: Fentanyl test strips are small strips of paper that can detect the presence of fentanyl in different kinds of drugs and various forms of drugs (powders, pills, or injectables).

Many individuals consume fentanyl without their knowledge because it is easily mixed into other powdered drugs (such as cocaine, heroin or methamphetamine) and pressed pills. If you plan to use drugs or know others who do, you should always assume overdose risk no matter what drug is used and practice as much harm reduction as possible. These harm reduction practices include:

• Going slow.
• Using less.
• Testing your product (with test strips).
• Smoking or snorting instead of injecting.
• Avoiding using drugs alone.
• Having someone check on you.
• Taking turns if using with others.
• Knowing the signs of an overdose.
• Carrying naloxone and knowing how to use it.

Correcting these myths is a great way to support harm reduction and help everyone feel more prepared to address the opioid epidemic. You can learn more about harm reduction efforts by visiting the National Harm Reduction Coalition’s website.

MSU Extension supports harm reduction

The Michigan Substance Use Prevention, Education, and Recovery (MiSUPER) team works to increase awareness of opioid use in rural communities regarding prevention, addiction treatment options, and recovery support so that community members and healthcare professionals can recognize signs of problematic opioid use, suggest options for professional treatments, and support those in recovery.

The MiSUPER team offers training and resources on opioid use disorder, harm reduction, and how policies, systems, and environments criminalize and punish people who use substances. As our work evolves in this space, please help us promote harm reduction strategies in your community by sharing this article and continuing to learn and educate others about harm reduction.

You can sign up and learn more about other health promotional programs offered by MSU Extension by visiting www.extension.msu.edu/healthprograms.