AIHA urges Trump to help protect workers exposed to opioids and their synthetic analogues
The unique needs of first responders and related workers must not be forgotten as the nation combats the opioid epidemic. This was the core message of comments the American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA) recently submitted to the President's Commission on Combating Drug Addiction and the Opioid Crisis. Workers who may be exposed include first responders such as law enforcement, DEA agents, and EMTs, as well as crime lab analysts and others.
"The broader opioid epidemic afflicting our nation is also placing the workers we all depend upon to help manage the consequences of this crisis and for our own personal safety and security at risk. These workers are often caught unprepared, confronted with hazards on a scale and intensity never before seen. It's clear that they now need our help. In truth, it's nothing less than our obligation to repay the debt we owe to them for the services they provide, which allow us to live in peace of mind and body," said AIHA in its comments.