Evaluating the Potential for Unintentional Occupational Exposure to Fentanyl and Fentanyl Analogues Among Medicolegal Death Investigators and Autopsy Technicians

Authors

Sophia K. Chiu, Division of Field Studies and Engineering, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, 1090 Tusculum Avenue, Mailstop: R-9, Cincinnati, OH, 45226
Jessica F. Li, Division of Field Studies and Engineering, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, 1090 Tusculum Avenue, Mailstop: R-9, Cincinnati, OH, 45226
Kurt B. Nolte, Office of the Medical Investigator, MSC07 4040, 1 University of New Mexico School of Medicine, Albuquerque, NM, 87131

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

7-1-2020

Abstract

Recent increases in deaths in the United States from synthetic opioids such as fentanyl and fentanyl analogues (fentanyls) have raised concerns about possible occupational exposures to these potent agents. Medicolegal death investigators and autopsy suite staff might perform job tasks involving exposure to fentanyls. The potential for exposure to fentanyls among medicolegal death investigators and autopsy technicians at a state medical examiner's office was evaluated through review of caseload characteristics, injury and illness logs, and procedures and policies and discussions with management and employee representatives. The evaluation showed that this medical examiner's office had low potential for work-related exposure to fentanyls; its standard operating procedures and personal protective equipment requirements should reduce the potential for occupational exposure. Medicolegal death investigation agencies can develop and implement guidance to control exposures and provide workforce education and training to reduce the potential for work-related exposure to fentanyls.

Recommended Citation

Chiu SK, Li JF, Nolte KB. Evaluating the Potential for Unintentional Occupational Exposure to Fentanyl and Fentanyl Analogues Among Medicolegal Death Investigators and Autopsy Technicians. J Forensic Sci. 2020 Jul;65(4):1324-1327. doi: 10.1111/1556-4029.14288. Epub 2020 Jan 27. PMID: 31986226.