Fentanyl exposure is a growing concern for professionals in various industries, including healthcare, law enforcement, and industrial work. Protecting yourself and your team requires the right personal protective equipment (PPE), especially when handling this potent substance. Protective work gloves are a critical barrier, preventing accidental exposure and keeping workers safe.
Let’s explore the dangers of fentanyl exposure, how it occurs, and the best work gloves for protection:
What Is Fentanyl?
Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is up to 50 times stronger than heroin and 100 times stronger than morphine. Originally developed as a prescription painkiller for severe conditions, it is now a significant factor in the opioid epidemic due to its illegal production and misuse. Even a small amount—mere milligrams—can cause severe respiratory distress or death, making it one of the most dangerous substances in occupational environments.
How Can You Get Exposed to Fentanyl?
Fentanyl exposure occurs when the substance is inhaled, ingested, or absorbed through the skin or mucous membranes. Occupational exposure can happen in several ways:
- Handling Contaminated Surfaces or Materials: Workers who touch fentanyl powder or residues without proper protection are at risk.
- Aerosolized Particles: Fentanyl can become airborne during packaging, transport, or processing, leading to accidental inhalation.
- Cross-Contamination: Improperly disposing of or handling contaminated gloves can spread fentanyl residues, putting others at risk.
Given the extreme potency of fentanyl, having the proper disposable gloves is essential to creating a safe barrier against accidental contact.
Which Work Gloves Protect Against Fentanyl?
When it comes to handling hazardous substances like fentanyl, not all gloves provide adequate protection. Exposure to fentanyl, even in small amounts, can pose serious health risks, making it crucial to choose gloves that are specifically designed for this level of defense.
Liberty Safety 2016BKML Fentanyl Protection Disposable Black Nitrile Gloves are built for high-risk environments, offering certified fentanyl resistance along with superior durability and comfort. These 6-mil thick, examination-grade nitrile gloves provide a strong barrier against punctures, tears, and chemicals, ensuring reliable protection for first responders, law enforcement, healthcare professionals, and industrial workers.
Featuring a micro-textured surface for enhanced grip and a 12-inch extended cuff for added wrist and forearm coverage, these gloves allow for precise handling while minimizing exposure risks. They are also tested for use with chemotherapy drugs, reinforcing their effectiveness in hazardous environments.
Each case includes 10 dispenser boxes, with 50 gloves per box by weight, ensuring easy stocking and access when protection matters most. For those in professions where accidental fentanyl contact is a concern, these disposable black nitrile gloves provide the high-level protection and performance needed to work safely.
General Purpose vs. Fentanyl-Rated Gloves: What’s the Difference?
While general-purpose work gloves are designed for basic protection against dirt, abrasion, or mild chemicals, fentanyl-rated gloves are engineered to provide a higher level of resistance to hazardous substances. Fentanyl-rated gloves undergo rigorous testing to ensure they create an impermeable barrier against opioids and other harmful chemicals, reducing the risk of accidental exposure.
These gloves are typically made from durable materials like nitrile or latex, with added thickness and micro-textured surfaces for a secure grip. For professionals working in high-risk environments, such as healthcare or law enforcement, fentanyl-rated gloves are an essential part of their PPE arsenal.
Protect Yourself with Equipment Direct
At Equipment Direct, we understand the importance of safety in high-risk environments. That’s why we offer a wide range of protective gear, including the top-rated disposable gloves listed above. Whether you’re handling hazardous substances like fentanyl or working in industrial or food service applications, we have the products you need to stay safe and compliant.
Browse our collection today to find the perfect gloves for your team, or contact us for expert recommendations. With Equipment Direct, you can work confidently, knowing you’re protected.