Officers Warned About Handling Suspected Narcotics with Latex Gloves

An Ohio county coroner's office is sending a warning to local law enforcement, fire, and EMS personnel: Throw away your latex gloves.

It's suspected that latex gloves may allow absorption of narcotics such as fentanyl and carfentanil into the wearer’s tissue, turning the rescuer into the victim.

The threat of accidental exposure from carfentanil, and fentanyl as well, has many police officers, firefighters, and EMTs on edge.

Officials are suggesting first responders begin wearing masks and nitrile gloves, which are thicker than latex, WTOV TV reports.