Contamination of a drug consumption room with drugs and potential risks for social health care workers.
Harm Reduct J
; 21(1): 149, 2024 08 16.
Article
in En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-39148047
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
Studies have shown that contamination of surfaces by illicit drugs frequently occurs in forensic laboratories when manipulating seized samples as well as in pharmacies and hospitals when preparing medicinal drugs. In this project, we extended these studies to a Drug Consumption Room to investigate drug levels and possible exposure of the staff members.METHODS:
We investigated pre and post cleaning contamination by heroin and cocaine and their degradation products 6-monoacetylmorphine and benzoylecgonine on different surfaces (tables, counters, computers and door handles) and in the ambient air. We also collected urine and hair samples from staff members to check for potential short and long term contaminations.RESULTS:
Medium to heavy contamination has been detected on most surfaces and door handles; as expected, air contamination was particularly high in the smoking room. Drug levels were < LOD to very low in the urine and the hair samples of staff members tested.CONCLUSION:
The cleaning efficiency of the surfaces, carried out by staff and drug users after drug consumption, was often not satisfactory. The very low drug levels in hair indicate that acute health risks for staff members are low.Key words
Full text:
1
Collection:
01-internacional
Database:
MEDLINE
Main subject:
Occupational Exposure
/
Cocaine
/
Hair
Limits:
Humans
Language:
En
Journal:
Harm Reduct J
Year:
2024
Document type:
Article
Affiliation country:
Luxembourg
Country of publication:
United kingdom