Effect of Contaminant Form on the Contact Transfer of an Opioid to Latex and Army Combat Uniform Cloth
Abstract
The scoping studies presented here were designed to probe for answers to questions about the potential for hazards due to contact with opioid contaminants. Does decontamination by soapy water rinse reduce the potential for contact transfer of an opioid from contaminated protective equipment to other surfaces including skin and clothing? Does the form of the contaminant, such as the free base, salt, or a solution thereof, affect the potential for contact transfer? Using carfentanil free base and citrate salt as representative contaminants on butyl and nitrile gloves, this study confirms that contaminant form is a key factor in determining risk due to contact transfer following decontamination processes. The enhanced solubility of the citrate salt over the free base resulted in about 75 less residual citrate salt than free base on the glove coupons following soapy water treatment; however, enough residual contaminant remained to pose a contact hazard. On average, between 40 and 80 of the residual contaminant on the gloves was transferred to latex and Army combat uniform (ACU) contact samplers.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 01, 2021
- Accession Number
- AD1123418
Entities
People
- Amanda M. Schenning
- Jill L. Ruth
- Michael J. Chesebrough
- Michelle L. Sheahy
- Stefanie Q. Smallwood
Organizations
- Edgewood Chemical Biological Center
- Leidos
- United States Army Combat Capabilities Development Command