We are experiencing an unprecedented surge in fentanyl-related deaths in recent years. Fentanyl is a potent synthetic opioid that is 50 to 100 times more powerful than morphine. Initially developed for medical purposes, fentanyl has found its way into illicit drug markets, exacerbating the ongoing opioid epidemic. The DEA warns that even small amounts of fentanyl can be lethal, with unintentional exposure posing a grave risk to law enforcement officers, first responders, and the general public.
“Fentanyl is so powerful that law enforcement officers, first responders, and forensic personnel can be exposed to dangerous levels of the drug through inhalation, ingestion, or absorption through the skin or eyes, posing grave risks to their health and safety.”
Fentanyl plays a significant role in driving overdose deaths. Not only is fentanyl being sold alone, but it is also increasingly mixed with other drugs such as heroin, cocaine, and methamphetamine, creating an even deadlier concoction. The DEA points out that many individuals are unknowingly consuming fentanyl-laced substances, increasing the risk of overdose and death.
“The dangers of fentanyl are exacerbated by the fact that it is often mixed with other drugs, such as heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine, and counterfeit prescription pills. People who use drugs often have no idea what they are ingesting or in what quantity, making the risk of overdose and death significant.”
To address this fentanyl crisis, the DEA has been actively engaged in a multi-faceted approach to disrupt the supply chain by targeting international and domestic sources of fentanyl production and distribution. This includes collaborating with foreign counterparts, implementing stricter regulations on fentanyl precursors, and dismantling illicit drug trafficking organizations.
“The DEA is committed to working with domestic and international partners to combat the fentanyl crisis by aggressively targeting the sources of fentanyl production and distribution. This includes sharing intelligence, collaborating on investigations, and disrupting the illicit drug trade.”
Ongoing educational campaigns are needed to inform the public, law enforcement, and healthcare professionals about the dangers of fentanyl exposure and overdose. Additionally, we agree with the DEA that widespread availability and use of naloxone, a medication that can reverse the effects of an opioid overdose and save lives.
“The DEA is actively engaged in efforts to raise awareness about fentanyl and its dangers through educational campaigns targeting the public, law enforcement, and healthcare professionals. The agency also promotes the availability and use of naloxone as a critical tool in reversing opioid overdoses and saving lives.”
How is Artemis Bio-Solutions Helping
At Artemis Bio-Solutions, we are focused on helping remediators safely attack and neutralize fentanyl-contaminated facilities. Products such as SoRite DECON can help destroy fentanyl by providing a powerful formula that includes sodium chlorite, a potent oxidizing agent, along with a proprietary blend of other ingredients that work together at the molecular level to effectively degrade these dangerous drugs. According to third party laboratory testing, SoRite Decon can degrade fentanyl and heroin in just 60 seconds.
Fentanyl poses a grave risk to law enforcement, first responders, and the general public. The DEA has responded to this crisis by targeting the production and distribution of fentanyl, as well as raising awareness about its dangers. And Artemis Bio-Solutions is helping by equipping remediators with the tools and approaches needed to safely neutralize the threat of fentanyl.
