Halyard Health , a global medical technology company, has introduced a new fentanyl-resistance claim for its Black-Fire exam gloves. The gloves exceed the recommendations and guidelines for handling fentanyl outlined by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH).

With the growing opioid epidemic, law enforcement, fire and emergency medical services (EMS) personnel face increased risk of exposure to fentanyl, an opioid that is 30 to 50 times more potent than heroin and 50 to 100 times more potent than morphine, according to the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Halyard Health is committed to ensuring that first responders are properly protected in potentially harmful situations.

According to the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA), it only takes 2 to 3 milligrams of fentanyl to induce respiratory depression, cardiac arrest and possibly death. Black-Fire powder-free nitrile exam gloves safeguard against exposure and are tested according to the ASTM D6978 guidelines and found to resist permeation of fentanyl for up to 240 minutes. They are also compatible with NIOSH’s recommendations and guidelines for handling fentanyl.

For additional information about the Black-Fire glove, visit www.halyardhealth.com/ems .