In the summer of 2024, a Mexico individual's accidental exposure to fentanyl brought the Audrain County Health Department’s NARCAN distribution program back into the spotlight.

The employee, who remains anonymous, was working when a customer came into the establishment and went into the public bathroom.

When the customer did not emerge for about 45 minutes, the employee persuaded the customer to open the door. The customer collapsed, and the employee administered NARCAN.

“I went to call for an ambulance, and before I got to the phone, (the individual was) up and running out the door,” the employee was said in an ACHD press release.

The employee was subsequently exposed to fentanyl residue, which was spread around the bathroom, and was reportedly high for four hours before being given NARCAN.

The original press release titled “Accidental Fentanyl overdose of business employee leads to new ACHD Program” was released to the public March 6. It has since garnered a lot of concern from the public.

“The story was not intended to cause the public to panic, but to elevate awareness about the risk of accidental exposure and the potential saving merits of Narcan,” said ACHD Administrator/CEO Craig Brace in a follow-up release on March 7.

Fentanyl is an opioid medicine that has medical uses for pain control in both humans and animals. Fentanyl is also produced and sold illegally. If misused, fentanyl can cause a person’s breathing to slow and stop; this is often called an “overdose.” If breathing stops, a person can die, the CHD release stated.

“However, it is unlikely you will overdose just from being around or helping someone who has smoked or used fentanyl.” Brace said. There is very low risk of individuals experiencing an overdose from secondhand fentanyl exposure.
Accidental “secondhand” exposure to fentanyl smoke, powder or residue in public settings is extremely unlikely to cause overdose. If you come across someone who might be experiencing an overdose, it is safe to help them. In many cases, NARCAN is used as a first response.

The ACHD has been distributing NARCAN to the public since April 2023 but since the accidental exposure, ACHD has been distributing NARCAN to businesses and organizations with public restrooms.

“ACHD continues to help battle the growing drug problem in Audrain County” Brace said. “Audrain County Coalition on Reducing Drugs (ACCORD), a group of community leaders and governmental entities, launched in September of 2024 with the mission of reducing the use of opioids and other harmful substances in Audrain County.”

Some questions answered from the ACHD:

Can you overdose by just touching fentanyl?

You can’t overdose just by touching fentanyl. In fact, there are no confirmed cases of overdose from touching fentanyl powder or pills. While fentanyl can be absorbed across the skin, this happens only with constant direct contact over hours and days. Still, you should avoid touching fentanyl. Skin absorption can be increased by using alcohol-based hand sanitizers, bleach and excessive sweating. Skin absorption can also be affected in unknown ways if other drugs are present. If you think you might have touched fentanyl, wash your hands with soap and water as soon as possible. Avoid touching your face, especially your eyes, nose or mouth. Young children should be supervised closely because they are more likely to put their hands and things in their mouths. Children are also more sensitive to adverse effects from exposure to fentanyl pills, powder, or liquid left on surfaces.

What happens when you breathe in fentanyl powder?

Current research shows that fentanyl use in public places, such as public restrooms, does not produce enough contamination on surfaces to cause other individuals to overdose. However, adverse effects may result in individuals with other underlying health conditions or interaction with other medications. If you see powder or a crushed pill on a nearby surface, do not touch it or attempt to remove it. Do not open windows or do anything that might cause powder to get into the air. If you see fentanyl powder on your clothes, use a non-alcoholic wet wipe to remove it or wet the area of the garment before removing it and laundering.

What should be done if you see fentanyl or another drug in a public place?

If you see powder or other material that you believe are drugs, do not handle or take possession of the materials or clean up the area yourself. Call the non-emergency number for the police department in your area or report the situation to the facility manager.

Individuals can contact the Audrain County Health Department to receive a free Narcan kit. Please call 573-581-1332 to learn more.