While I am grateful for the efforts of law enforcement and elected officials to support the well being of our communities, I am concerned that lately there seems to be a great deal of misinformation regarding fentanyl coming from these sources.

The American Medical Association (AMA) also shares this concern that the public and first responders (police and fire) are being misinformed as to the risks of fentanyl exposure.

In a document written by Dr. Michael Sinha titled “Dispelling Myths of Bystander Opioid Overdose” and passed by the AMA as a resolution, it states that fentanyl is poorly absorbed by the skin due to its slow rate of absorption, and that reports of first responders falling ill due to touching fentanyl contradict science.

The resolution further states that there is also a “lack of evidence that fentanyl aerosolizes, or poses an inhalation problem in well-ventilated spaces.”

Furthermore, according to Dr. Ryan Marino, a toxicologist, in an interview with NewsNationNow, fentanyl rolled in a cigarette (joint) of marijuana will be destroyed by the heat of the flame when the joint is smoked. Fentanyl is decomposed at 350 degrees C and a lighter flame burns at 2000 degrees C.

To be clear: fentanyl is a powerful, dangerous drug. In this modern era where we are confronted with AI and deep fakes, it’s vitally important that we establish a guide to help us steer our way. I feel that the use of science, proven fact, must be that guide.

Leaders in law enforcement and government should learn what the facts really are so that the message they send to our youth, our first responders and the public at large is factual at all times.

Carolynn Jarrett lives in Clearlake, California.