Can you overdose on fentanyl by touching it?
In June 2022, the Lewis County Sheriff’s Office in West Virginia issued a warning about the presence of fentanyl dollar bills and the danger of becoming intoxicated with this substance through skin contact. This warning generated much speculation and concern from the public, as the opioid crisis has affected millions of families in the United States in recent years and has taken millions of lives through overdoses.
So, can you overdose on fentanyl by touching it? People ask this question when they hear stories about fentanyl hidden in dollar bills. Alarming headlines have generated fear about the risks of touching this dangerous drug through everyday objects, such as bills or coins. However, to truly understand the problem, it is crucial to identify the facts and the myths by looking at what science says.
In this MAT Care Clinics blog, we will delve deeper to understand this substance better, how it affects the body, and what experts say about fentanyl exposure.
The Emergence of Fentanyl Hidden in Dollar Bills
In 2022, several news stories reported incidents where people found folded dollar bills allegedly containing fentanyl. Warnings, such as those issued by the Lewis County Sheriff’s Office, cautioned the public about the dangers of picking up these bills. Panic increased as more media stories emerged about fentanyl overdoses linked to touching dollar bills, including the case of Reneé Parsons from Tennessee.
With such stories, the public became alarmed, as a minimal amount of fentanyl can be lethal if inhaled or ingested. However, experts have been clear on one crucial point: the risk of significant exposure to fentanyl through casual contact is extremely low.
What is Fentanyl, and How Does It Affect the Body?
Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that medical staff use to treat severe pain, especially in cancer patients, known as pharmaceutical fentanyl. It is up to 100 times more potent than morphine and 50 times stronger than heroin. According to the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), as little as two milligrams of fentanyl can be fatal.
On the other hand, illegally made fentanyl has also become a hazardous recreational drug, which has contributed to a significant increase in overdoses. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that synthetic opioids, such as fentanyl, are the leading cause of overdose deaths in the United States.
Individuals can consume Fentanyl through inhalation, injection, or ingestion. Although individuals can also absorb it through the skin, this process requires time and a significant amount of direct contact with the substance in its liquid or powder form.
Debunking the Myth: Is Touching Fentanyl Dollar Bills Dangerous?
One of the most common fears is that touching fentanyl dollar bills could cause an immediate overdose. However, research from experts and agencies such as the CDC has shown that this risk is minimal.
According to a report from the University of California at Davis, the absorption of fentanyl through the skin is not efficient. This statement means that even if fentanyl were present in a bill, the amount absorbed by touching it would be insufficient to cause significant effects. Additionally, accidental exposure can be mitigated by simply washing hands with soap and water.
Furthermore, the report states that first responders and the general public are not at high risk from incidental contact with fentanyl.
On the other hand, there are different forms of fentanyl exposure:
- Inhalation: This is a real risk, but only if the person is in an environment where fentanyl powder floats in the air. Accidental inhalation could occur in a clandestine laboratory or during mass handling of the drug, but not from a folded bill.
- Ingestion: This is the most worrisome risk. If a person touches a contaminated bill and then puts their hands to their mouth, they could ingest a small amount of fentanyl. However, this scenario is also unlikely under normal conditions.
Drug Safety: The Importance of Education and Prevention
The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) states that the skin barrier serves as adequate protection against exposure to fentanyl, and symptoms of poisoning are unlikely to occur.
However, the best way to combat fear and misinformation is to educate the public. It is critical to understand that:
- Accidental exposure to fentanyl in everyday scenarios is infrequent
- Taking simple measures, such as washing your hands promptly, can minimize any risk
- If you have had contact with fentanyl hidden in dollar bills, do not use alcohol-based hand sanitizers or bleach, as they do not effectively remove opioids from the skin and may increase skin absorption of fentanyl
- Avoid picking up suspicious bills is a prudent practice, but not because casual contact is deadly
Fentanyl Exposure: Understanding the Symptoms
According to the NCDHHS, symptoms of fentanyl intoxication include:
- Disorientation
- Pinpoint pupils
- Dizziness
- Loss of consciousness
- Nausea/Vomiting
- Shortness of breath, respiratory depression, or respiratory arrest
- Drowsiness
If you experience a situation of opioid overdose, such as fentanyl, the first thing you should do is call 911 or seek medical assistance. However, Naloxone is the antidote for opioid overdose, and you should only give it to a person with signs of opioid overdose, such as a person whose breathing is weak or slow or who has stopped and is losing consciousness. Naloxone can be administered by intramuscular injection or through the nose with nasal Naloxone.
The Massachusetts government has made Naloxone available for sale in pharmacies or stores without a prescription.
Medication-Assisted Treatment: An Approach to Combating the Opioid Crisis.
The fentanyl controversy also highlights the need for practical solutions to address addiction. Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is a proven strategy that combines medications such as buprenorphine, methadone, and naltrexone with behavioral therapy.
MAT helps reduce withdrawal symptoms, prevent relapse, and improve the quality of life for people struggling with opioid addiction. This treatment not only helps to save lives but also reduces the burden on the health and criminal justice systems.
MAT Care Clinics: Facing the Opioid Crisis
The idea of fentanyl dollar bills may sound scary, but science shows that the risk of significant exposure is minimal in everyday scenarios. While it is essential to take precautions and stay informed, we must also avoid unnecessary panic.
Combating the opioid crisis requires a balanced approach that includes education, prevention, and treatment. If you or someone you know needs help, seek out trusted resources and professionals who specialize in addiction.
At MAT Care Clinics, we work to help all people facing opioid addiction in New England; with our safe and effective treatment, we fight addiction with FDA-approved medications with few to no side effects.
Call us at (833) 622-0628 or schedule a free consultation online. Together, we can address this crisis with information and compassion.
