Researchers collaborated with five transit agencies, including TriMet in the Portland metro area
Spencer Pauley
The Center Square Washington
The University of Washington has released a new report that found numerous transit vehicles in the Seattle and Portland areas contained “small amounts” of fentanyl and methamphetamine.
Researchers detected the drugs in the air and on surfaces, according to the the University of Washington School of Public Health’s exposure assessment
Out of 78 air samples collected by UW researchers, 25% had detectable fentanyl and 100% had detectable methamphetamine. Out of 102 surface samples, 46% had detectable fentanyl and 98% had detectable methamphetamine.
However, nearly all of the positive samples contained small amounts of the drugs that are unlikely to cause acute medical conditions, according to the assessment.
It remains unclear to researchers if consistent, long-term exposure poses a risk to health. Transit operators who work full time, 40 hours a week, would be considered under long-term exposure to the trace amounts of fentanyl and methamphetamine.
“A work environment that includes drug use and drug smoke can make it harder for transit operators to safely and effectively do their jobs, regardless of the level of exposure that operators may face,” UW Assistant Professor of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Marissa Baker said in a news release. “This research is important, as it draws attention to the stressors and exposures that these essential workers face.”
Researchers collected air and surface samples for fentanyl and methamphetamine from a total of 11 buses and 19 train cars from five transit agencies. Samples were collected over 28 nights between March 27 and June 22.
The assessment was limited in scope and narrowly tailored. Researchers collaborated with five transit agencies, which also provided funding: King County Metro, Sound Transit, Everett Transit and Community Transit in Snohomish County, and Tri-Met in the Portland metro area.
The assessment suggests protective measures including improved ventilation and air filtration, enhanced cleaning practices and operator training on agency protocols around the use of drugs on vehicles.
“Even at a level that is considered ‘safe,’ it can still be stressful to see drug use in your workplace,” Baker added. “Taking steps to protect operators will benefit their physical and mental well-being at work.”
Sound Transit Chief Executive Officer Julie Timm said the agency is relieved to hear from public health officials that the study results indicate there is no public health risk on transit. She added that Sound Transit will continue to enact measures “to continuously, proactively, and equitably improve our safety and environmental conditions.”
This report was first published by The Center Square Washington.
Also read:
- Santa’s Posse delivers Christmas joy once again
Hundreds of volunteers joined Santa’s Posse to deliver toys and food to 1,500 families across Clark County, continuing a long-running holiday tradition rooted in community service. - Opinion: Is the cheap fast-food burger a thing of the past?
Mark Harmsworth argues that rising minimum wages and B&O tax increases are driving higher food prices and squeezing low-income consumers and small businesses across Washington state. - Opinion: Blood on the highways fails to move Ferguson and Kotek
Lars Larson criticizes Washington and Oregon governors over licensing policies he says are linked to deadly truck crashes and ongoing highway safety risks. - Letter: ‘When we curtail one group’s rights we leave open the door to losing our rights too’
Camas resident Anthony Teso argues that constitutional protections apply to immigrants and warns that limiting one group’s rights risks undermining everyone’s civil liberties. - POLL: Do you agree that enforcing U.S. immigration laws is not an act of racism?
This poll asks readers whether enforcing U.S. immigration laws should be viewed as a lawful responsibility rather than an act of racism. - Thousands under evacuation orders, as floodwaters crest in Washington rivers
Thousands of Washington residents have been ordered to evacuate as rivers crest amid heavy rain, with officials warning of catastrophic flooding and seeking federal disaster assistance. - C-TRAN Board pays tribute to the late Molly Coston
The C-TRAN Board of Directors honored the life and legacy of Molly Coston, remembering her leadership, compassion, and service to Washougal and the region.
