National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health.

"A Sheriff's Office requested a health hazard evaluation concerning the potential for unintentional exposure to illicit drugs at a county jail. None of the jail employees had reported experiencing health effects from any drug exposure. The Sheriff's Office made the request because a nearby county jail was reported to have had a drug exposure incident resulting in health effects among correctional officers and the temporary closing of the facility for decontamination. During our evaluation, we visually assessed the ventilation, reviewed relevant records and documents, and discussed potential exposure areas, the inmate intake process, and other work practices with management. Contamination and the potential for unintentional exposure were more likely in certain areas of the jail based on who used and had access to the area, along with the likelihood of opioids and other drugs being brought into the area. Areas identified as being higher risk for airborne illicit drug contamination included the public lobby, inmate intake area (body scanner and sally port, or secure entryway to the jail), classroom/library, garage, and evidence room. We recommended making changes to the ventilation systems and adding controls to prevent exposure to illicit substances in the evidence room. We also recommended developing or revising other types of policies and procedures focused on preventing illicit drug exposure and responding to such an exposure event if it was to occur." - NIOSHTIC-2

NIOSHTIC no. 20057628

Recommended citation: NIOSH [2019]. Evaluation of potential unintentional illicit drug exposure at a county jail. By Li JF, Mead K, Neu D. Cincinnati, OH: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Health Hazard Evaluation Report 2018-0175-3359, https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/hhe/reports/pdfs/2018- 0175-3359.pdf.

2018- 0175-3359.pdf

2019-0108-3360.pdf

Report

Stephen B. Thacker CDC Library collection