Potency and Origin: Carfentanil is a fentanyl derivative originally designed for tranquilizing large animals like elephants. It's the most potent commercial opioid on the market, being 10,000 times more potent than morphine and 100 times more potent than fentanyl.
Overdose Statistics: Between January 2021 and June 2024, there were 513 carfentanil overdoses reported, with states like Florida and West Virginia experiencing the highest impact. The CDC has noted a seven-fold increase in carfentanil-specific overdoses from last year, highlighting a sharp rise in its presence in the illegal drug supply.
Forms and Exposure: Carfentanil can be found in various forms including powder, paper, tablets, patches, and sprays. It can be inhaled, ingested, or absorbed through the skin, making accidental exposure a significant risk, especially for first responders and drug users who might mistake it for other drugs like heroin or cocaine.
Public Health Concerns: The increase in carfentanil-related overdoses threatens the recent progress made in reducing overall drug overdose deaths in the country. The drug's potency and the way it's mixed into other drugs or counterfeit pills make it particularly dangerous.
Source and Distribution: The exact origin of carfentanil in the U.S. remains unclear, but it's believed to be manufactured illegally rather than being diverted from legal sources. There have been notable seizures, like the 21 kilos found in Riverside County, California, in 2021, indicating its infiltration into the street drug market.
Response: The CDC's warning emphasizes the need for increased awareness among medical professionals, law enforcement, and the public about the dangers of carfentanil. There's also a call for enhanced education on drug safety, the use of naloxone (Narcan) for overdose reversal, and better toxicology screening to identify this substance in cases of drug overdose.
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