Northern Virginia Criminal Justice Academy (NVCJA) Practice Exam

Can fentanyl be lethal if it is only touched or inhaled?

1. True

2. False

3. Only in large doses

4. Only when ingested

The correct answer is: False

Fentanyl is an extremely potent synthetic opioid, and its lethality is primarily associated with the dosage and method of exposure. Although there are concerns about the risks associated with touching or inhaling fentanyl, the evidence suggests that it is unlikely to be lethal through brief contact or inhalation for most individuals, especially compared to ingestion or parenteral routes such as injection. In most cases, significant exposure leading to fatal outcomes requires a much larger dose or specific delivery methods that allow for rapid entry into the bloodstream. While opioid exposure can present risks, especially to first responders or those not regularly exposed to opioids, the scenarios requiring immediate medical attention typically involve substantial doses rather than incidental contact or passive inhalation. This understanding informs why the assertion that fentanyl can be lethal solely through touch or inhalation is not supported by clinical evidence and risk assessments.