Contamination of a drug consumption room with drugs and potential risks for social health care workers

Original research
par
Cuffaro, Flore et al

Date de publication

2024

Géographie

Luxembourg

Langue de la ressource

English

Texte disponible en version intégrale

Oui

Open Access / OK to Reproduce

Oui

Évalué par des pairs

Yes

L’objectif

This study aims to see if contamination of surfaces by illegal drugs occurs in Drug Consumption Room to investigate drug levels and possible exposure of the staff members.

Constatations/points à retenir

Medium to heavy contamination was detected on most surfaces and door handles; as expected, air contamination was particularly high in the smoking room. Drug levels were < LOD (limit of detection) to very low in the urine and the hair samples of staff members tested. Cleaning of surfaces was not satisfactory, however the very low drug levels in hair indicate that acute health risks for staff members are low.

La conception ou méthodologie de recherche

Pre and post cleaning contamination by heroin and cocaine and their degradation products 6-monoacetylmorphine and benzoylecgonine on different surfaces (tables, counters, computers and door handles) and in the ambient air was investigated. Urine and hair samples from staff members were also collected to check for potential short and long term contaminations.

Mots clés

Harm reduction
Illegal drugs
SCS/OPS