Since 2016 the has been telling its agents, police and first responders that just touching the drug can be lethal. Some researchers now say evidence doesn鈥檛 support such a dramatic advisory. But one Ohio scientist says the DEA should continue the warning anyway.
Dr. Eric Adkins is Vice Chair of Clinical Affairs at . He says laboratory studies of pharmacy-grade fentanyl do show incidental contact with the drug poses little risk.
But he says the isn鈥檛 talking about that kind of fentanyl. 鈥淥ne of the problems that you have to worry about, as I understand some of the history around the report was, that certain narcotics are stronger, said Adkins. So the concentrations are worse. And you get things like carfentanil. If that鈥檚 the case, then you want to make sure that you are appropriately prepared.鈥�
Adkins says taking into account worst-case possibilities when dealing with unknown substances at a drug bust or overdose scene makes sense.
