Needs and Research Gaps Surrounding Safe Handling of Synthetic Opioids and Other Emerging Compounds of Concern Workshop Report

Published

June 8, 2026

Author(s)

Edward Sisco, Monica Joshi Kumar, Sarah Shuda, Matthew Staymates

Abstract

With a street drug supply that contains increasingly potent compounds, those involved with the interdiction, analysis, and remediation of these samples continue to face numerous occupational safety challenges. This report synthesizes findings from a multi-community workshop that aimed to identify the barriers to safe handling, including "hazard fatigue" in PPE compliance, the lack of standardized metrics for decontamination, and the technological lag in field detection for novel compounds and complex mixtures. By analyzing the unique risk profiles of law enforcement, forensic laboratories, first responders, and harm reduction communities, the report identifies critical gaps in research and documentary standards. It concludes with potential opportunities for NIST and other federal partners to address outstanding needs with evidence-based, risk-mitigated protocols that balance operational efficiency with the physical and psychological safety of the workforce.

Citation

Special Publication (NIST SP) - 1500-38

Report Number

1500-38

NIST Pub Series

Special Publication (NIST SP)

Pub Type

NIST Pubs

Download Paper

https://doi.org/10.6028/NIST.SP.1500-38

Local Download

Keywords

Analytical Chemistry, Health and Safety, Drugs, Forensic Science, Law Enforcement, Public Health, Exposure, Synthetic Opioids

Citation

Sisco, E. , Joshi Kumar, M. , Shuda, S. and Staymates, M. (2026), Needs and Research Gaps Surrounding Safe Handling of Synthetic Opioids and Other Emerging Compounds of Concern Workshop Report, Special Publication (NIST SP), National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, MD, [online], https://doi.org/10.6028/NIST.SP.1500-38, https://tsapps.nist.gov/publication/get_pdf.cfm?pub_id=962084 (Accessed June 9, 2026)

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