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Dust entry

Illicit-drug forensic-laboratory powder

Powdered controlled-substance evidence handled during forensic laboratory weighing, opening, crushing, and analysis.

Airborne form

dustpowderaerosolmixed

The form describes what is suspended in air at the point of exposure. A material can produce more than one form, such as dust during handling and fume during heating.

Health effects

opioid exposure concernstimulant exposure concernheadachedizzinessrespiratory distress concernsystemic absorption concern

Evidence

A 2025 NIOSH evaluation found occupational exposure to powdered illicit-drug evidence in a police crime laboratory: one forensic scientist exceeded the ACGIH fentanyl occupational exposure limit in air, cocaine and methamphetamine were detected in personal air samples, and the report recommends ventilated hoods for weighing and handling loose powder.

Source: pdf ↗ · saved source
page 3 · Our Key Findings · 1–3
One forensic scientist was overexposed to fentanyl in the air. Forensic scientists were also exposed to cocaine and methamphetamine in the air. ... Continue requiring forensic scientists to use a laboratory or benchtop hood ... for activities that involve transferring loose material like weighing powder, opening bulk evidence, and handling bulk evidence.

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