Our state labs have had to change how they test drugs because of the risks created by fentanyl getting on a lab workers skin. We now require lab workers to work in pairs because if one worker got fentanyl on their skin, they could easily pass out. Without immediate action, they could be dead in moments.
Why then is fentanyl even used by drug dealers? Surely, they do not want to kill their customers! They can, however, use miniscule amounts of fentanyl to reduce the amount of heroin, cocaine, or marijuana needed and still produce the sought after ‘high’ their customers are seeking. Occasionally, however, dealers add too much and do kill buyers.
All of this has been sad enough, however, it is now getting much worse very quickly. The Chinese have started making fentanyl tablets that look very much like candy. They are making them in assorted colors and look much like pieces of candy that would attract young children if found.