The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Science and Technology Directorate (S&T) has released a new Master Question List (MQL) for Synthetic Opioids.
The MQL serves as a reference guide as a means of aiding emergency responders and the research community by providing critical and vetted information focused on the chemical and physical properties of synthetic opioids – and hazards posed in operational settings.
“The CDC data confirms that America’s synthetic opioids epidemic is one of the biggest public health challenges of our time, poses significant hazards to emergency responders, and requires a whole-of-government response,” said Kathryn Coulter Mitchell, DHS senior official Performing Duties of the Under Secretary for Science and Technology. “That is why we have pulled on every lever of our organization to develop a resource with the best scientific knowledge available to keep emergency responders safe.”
The MQL’s scope focuses on summarizing what is known about opioids. Officials found knowledge gaps while identifying solutions and providing first responders with guidance based on current scientific understanding to protect from opioid exposure.
“Until synthetic opioid abuse is eradicated, we’ll continue to do everything in our power to provide useful scientific insights that, when used as best practices, can keep our operators in the field as safe as possible,” Jessica Cox, S&T CSAC program manager for the MQL, said. “This work can save lives, and we will continue to do our part to counter the abuse of synthetic opioids, which have devastated communities across the country.”