What should be worn when handling fentanyl pills for safety?

When handling fentanyl pills, it is crucial to wear proper personal protective equipment (PPE) due to the severe health risks associated with fentanyl exposure. This substance is highly potent and can be absorbed through the skin or inhaled, posing a significant danger to anyone coming into contact with it. Proper PPE typically includes gloves, masks, goggles, and sometimes gowns to provide a comprehensive barrier against exposure.

Standard gloves alone may not offer adequate protection since they can break or become compromised, and typical surgical masks may not filter out fine particles of the drug effectively. While hazardous material suits provide a high level of protection, they are usually reserved for more extreme situations and may not be necessary for all fentanyl handling scenarios. Therefore, utilizing a combination of equipment that constitutes proper PPE is essential to ensure safety while working with fentanyl pills.