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How to Avoid Accidental Ingestion & Overdose

Because of its high potency, accidental ingestion of fentanyl, even in small amounts, can lead to very serious harms. This is even more true for infants and toddlers.

Fentanyl can be difficult to detect and may be present in other substances, such as heroin, counterfeit pills, cocaine — whether the user is aware of it or not. So, if you choose to use any illegal substance, it is crucial that you take the necessary steps to ensure that the most vulnerable among us do not fall prey to the potential consequences.

Types of Fentanyl Exposure6

  • Breathing (Inhalation)
  • Eating (Ingestion)
  • Touching eyes, nose, or mouth with contaminated hands or gloves or when illicit drugs come into contact with the eyes, nose, or mouth directly (Mucosal)
  • Liquid illicit drugs may be absorbed by the skin (Dermal)
  • Being stuck by a needle (Percutaneous)

Can Fentanyl Be Absorbed Through the Skin or By Touching a Contaminated Item or Surface?

Illicit fentanyl cannot be absorbed through the skin or by touching an item or surface where it is present. When in powder form, fentanyl and its analogs (including carfentanil and fluorofentanyl) cannot be absorbed through the skin.1 Dissolving the powder in a liquid does not change this property. Wet objects do not pose an increased risk for an overdose caused by casual exposure.

The one case in which fentanyl can be absorbed through the skin is with a special doctor-prescribed fentanyl skin patch, and even then, it takes hours of exposure.

It is important that we clarify and let everyone know that fentanyl cannot really be absorbed through the skin because people who have overdosed on fentanyl may have only minutes to live. Pausing or waiting for other people to arrive means that person might die. They need our help and it is safe to help them.

Reduce the Risk of Accidental Ingestion1,3

Below are steps you can take in the event that you have fentanyl or a fentanyl analogs in your possession. The best way to reduce the risk of accidental ingestion is to avoid illicit substances and fentanyl altogether.

  • Do not touch any powder thought to be fentanyl or any items that are possibly contaminated with fentanyl with bare hands. Wear nitrile gloves if such items must be handled.
  • If skin comes in contact with powder, brush it off gently and wash the skin with soap and water. Avoid alcohol-based hand sanitizers until skin is washed with soap and water. Alcohol may increase absorption through skin.
  • Prevent contact to the eyes by wearing a face shield or other similar level of protection, such as mask and goggles.
  • If airborne fentanyl is suspected, do not enter until it has been adequately ventilated (typically 24 hours).
  • To prevent airborne fentanyl; do not use a vacuum, blow a fan on, or otherwise disturb an area that may contain fentanyl.

For a fentanyl overdose to occur, the powder must enter the bloodstream and get to the brain.2 This is why it is important to avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth until you can wash your hands. Fentanyl can also enter the bloodstream through cuts or wounds on the skin. Wounds must be open and visible to allow fentanyl to enter.

  • Do not touch your eyes, nose, or mouth.
  • Wash your hands with soap and water to remove any substance from your hands.
  • If you begin to experience any adverse medical symptoms, seek medical attention.
  • Do not use hand sanitizers or bleach solutions to clean contaminated skin.

Safe Fentanyl Storage

  • Keep out of reach of children. Store fentanyl in a safe place so that no one else can use it accidentally or on purpose.
  • Use child-resistant locks.
  • Keep track of how much fentanyl is left, so you will know if any is missing.
  • Store fentanyl at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Do not freeze fentanyl.
Learn More About Safe Storage

Signs of Child Ingestion of Fentanyl7

If you suspect that a child has ingested fentanyl, use naloxone if you have it, call 911 and seek emergency medical help immediately.

Early signs of fentanyl ingestion might be hard to notice in young children. Drowsiness has been among the reported symptoms, and that could be misinterpreted as the child just being tired or sleepy. Other signs that the child may have ingested fentanyl include:

  • Trouble breathing
  • Shortness of breath
  • Swelling of the face, tongue, or throat
  • Agitation
  • High body temperature
  • Stiff muscles

  1. Fentanyl Exposures and Cleanup.; 2019. Accessed November 1, 2022.
    https://www.health.state.mn.us/communities/environment/hazardous/docs/fentanylexpcln.pdf
  2. Fentanyl Safety for First Responders* BACKGROUND.; 2017.
    https://www.ncdhhs.gov/media/1740/download
  3. National Library of Medicine. Fentanyl: MedlinePlus Drug Information. Medlineplus.gov. Published 2018.
    https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a605043.html
  4. State Departments Issue Guidance Around Fentanyl Exposure. www.tn.gov. Accessed November 1, 2022.
    https://www.tn.gov/behavioral-health/news/2022/8/24/state-departments-issue-guidance-around-fentanyl-exposure-.html#:~:text=Illicit%20fentanyl%20cannot%20be%20absorbed
  5. Liam Connolly. Can fentanyl be absorbed through your skin? UC Davis Health. Published October 18, 2022. Accessed November 1, 2022.
    https://health.ucdavis.edu/news/headlines/can-fentanyl-be-absorbed-through-your-skin/2022/10
  6. CDC - Fentanyl: Emergency Responders at Risk - NIOSH Workplace Safety & Health Topics. www.cdc.gov. Published February 11, 2020.
    https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/fentanyl/risk.html
  7. Commissioner O of the. Accidental Exposures to Fentanyl Patches Continue to Be Deadly to Children. FDA. Published online January 26, 2022.
    https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/accidental-exposures-fentanyl-patches-continue-be-deadly-children