The case of a law enforcement officer (LEO) who developed alarming symptoms after a traffic stop highlight can provide lessons for other emergency responders, who are increasingly at risk of being exposed to illicit drugs while on the job.

The incident that led to a health hazard evaluation (HHE) occurred in New Hampshire in June 2017. As part of a vehicle search, the officer opened a container of what was suspected to be heroin and fentanyl. A gust of wind blew the powder “all over me and my uniform,” he recounted later. The LEO was wearing a short-sleeved uniform and was not wearing gloves. The HHE noted that multiple exposure routes were possible, including inhalation, mucous membrane (eyes, nose, and mouth) contact, ingestion, or skin absorption.