Best Practices For Fentanyl Lab Cleanup

According to Bio-Tec Emergency Services, LLC.
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To clean up a fentanyl lab, the best practice is to hire a professional hazardous waste cleanup company like Bio-Tec Emergency Services, LLC.

 

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provide guidance for trained professionals to ensure safety and proper remediation. 

 

Warning: Fentanyl is extremely potent, and any cleanup should only be performed by trained professionals from Bio-Tec Emergency Services, LLC, wearing appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).

 

Exposure can occur through inhalation of airborne powder, and a few grains can be lethal. 

 

Pre-cleanup protocols

• Restrict access and notify authorities: After law enforcement has cleared the scene, restrict all unauthorized access. Any property with visible powder or liquid should be handled by hazardous waste professionals.
• Ventilate the area: Ensure the property has been aired out for several days. Maintain good ventilation throughout the cleanup process to help remove airborne contaminants.
• Use correct PPE: All cleanup personnel must wear the following gear:Respiratory protection: An N100, R100, or P100 respirator is required if powdered drugs are present or suspected.
• Gloves: Use powder-free nitrile gloves. Never use bare hands.
• Eye and face protection: Goggles or a face shield are necessary to protect from splashes and particles.
• Protective clothing: A disposable suit with arm and wrist protection can prevent skin exposure.
• Avoid cross-contamination: Use techniques to prevent tracking contaminants from one area to another. This often involves setting up clear "hot" and "cold" zones. 

 

Cleanup and decontamination steps

• Remove contaminated materials: Porous and heavily soiled materials like carpets, furniture, and drapes should be disposed of in sealed hazardous waste bags. In some cases, building materials like drywall and ceiling tiles may also need to be removed.
• HEPA vacuuming: Before washing, use a vacuum with a High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filter on all hard surfaces and porous materials that will not be removed. Never use a standard vacuum, which can spread fentanyl into the air.
• Wash all surfaces: Clean hard, non-porous surfaces (walls, floors, countertops) with a soap and water solution, changing rags and water frequently. Rinse with clean water and repeat the washing process several times. The Minnesota Department of Health suggests using household cleaners like Simple Green or Pine-sol.
• Consider chemical neutralizing agents: The EPA has identified certain solutions, such as peracetic acid or activated hydrogen peroxide, as being highly effective in degrading fentanyl on contaminated surfaces. However, these can be difficult to use and require more PPE.
• Address HVAC and plumbing:HVAC systems: Do not operate the system during cleanup. Hire a qualified contractor to clean the system and ventilation ducts.
• Plumbing: Contact a plumbing contractor if chemical odors are coming from the drains. Waste products may have been dumped in sinks or toilets and could collect in the plumbing.
• Repaint or seal surfaces: After cleaning, consider applying an oil-based paint, epoxy, or polyurethane primer to hard surfaces. This provides an additional barrier against any residual contamination.
• Decontaminate and dispose of equipment:PPE: Remove contaminated PPE carefully to avoid exposure and place it in labeled, durable bags for appropriate disposal.
• Reusable equipment: Follow the manufacturer's recommendations for cleaning reusable equipment.
• Skin exposure: If any skin contact occurs, immediately wash with large amounts of soap and water. Do not use alcohol-based sanitizers or bleach, as these can increase absorption. 

 

 

Post-cleanup testing and clearance

• Hire third-party testing: To confirm the remediation was successful, hire a certified third-party vendor to conduct clearance testing. This is the only way to verify that a site is safe for re-occupancy.
• Document and disclose: For a contaminated property, a detailed record of the cleanup should be kept. Some jurisdictions may legally require that property owners disclose a history of fentanyl contamination to future tenants or buyers.