As fentanyl-related incidents continue to rise across the U.S., commercial cleaning professionals may find themselves facing new and unfamiliar risks.

Once considered an issue limited to emergency response or law enforcement, fentanyl contamination is now showing up in a wider range of public and commercial environments. For facility managers and cleaning teams, understanding where fentanyl may be present — and how trained professionals can address it safely — is more important than ever.

Where is Fentanyl Found in Commercial Facilities?

Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that can be present in powder, tablet, liquid, or residue form. While it’s primarily known as a controlled substance, illegal use has made it increasingly common in everyday commercial settings.

Fentanyl residue can linger on surfaces, making cleaning staff and other building occupants vulnerable if proper procedures aren’t followed. Here are just a few examples of where fentanyl contamination might occur in commercial facilities:

  • Public restrooms in restaurants, malls, gas stations, and convenience stores
  • Hotels and motels, especially in high-traffic or low-supervision areas
  • Healthcare facilities, including long-term care or outpatient clinics
  • Offices and lobbies where contaminated personal belongings may be introduced
  • Transportation hubs such as bus terminals and airports
  • Correctional facilities, where exposure risks can extend to staff
  • Schools and universities, particularly in shared spaces like bathrooms or dorms
  • Retail and grocery stores, where discarded items or accidental spills may occur

Why Proper Cleanup Matters

Even trace amounts of fentanyl can be dangerous if inhaled, ingested, or absorbed through the skin. While the risk of accidental overdose through casual contact is low, exposure during improper cleaning or handling can lead to serious health concerns, especially for workers who aren’t trained or protected adequately.

For commercial cleaners and facility managers, the implications go beyond individual safety. Unaddressed contamination can lead to business interruptions, liability issues, or health code violations, particularly in high-traffic settings or regulated commercial environments. That’s why having a plan (and the right products) is essential.

How to Protect Your Facility & Occupants

If fentanyl is suspected or confirmed in your facility, the response must be swift to keep Everything Clean and safer for occupants. That’s where Midlab comes in to support professional cleaning teams with products that can aid in proper decontamination.

1) Use the Right Products for Fentanyl Decontamination

When used as directed, hydrogen peroxide-based products like MAXIM® Facility+ help break down fentanyl on most surfaces, making it a powerful option for trained staff tasked with cleaning high-risk areas. You can learn more about using Facility+ to decontaminate surfaces where fentanyl residue may be present .

2) Implement Safer Handling & Response Protocols

Beyond product choice, proper training and preparedness are essential to ensure safe and effective fentanyl response. Facility managers should work closely with cleaning teams and safety personnel to establish protocols that minimize risk and align with regulatory guidance.

Best practices for safer handling and response to fentanyl decontamination include:

  • Ensuring PPE (gloves, masks, protective eyewear) is readily available and used properly by all staff members
  • Training staff to recognize signs of possible fentanyl contamination — even if they aren’t directly responsible for cleanup
  • Developing and following strict written procedures for cleanup and disposal
  • Coordinating with local authorities or HAZMAT teams for confirmed or large-scale contamination
  • Using EPA-approved disinfectants only, such as Facility+, to break down opioid compounds like fentanyl

Stay Informed & Prepared with Midlab

The presence of fentanyl in commercial environments is a real and growing concern — but with the right knowledge and tools, your team can respond safely and effectively. At Midlab, we’re committed to supporting cleaning professionals with science-backed solutions and informed guidance for today’s evolving disinfection needs.

If you’re looking to enhance facility safety and staff preparedness, reach out to our team or explore more resources for effective cleaning and disinfection at midlab.com. You can also follow us on social media for the latest updates on MAXIM® Facility+ and more.

*Disclaimer: Fentanyl decontamination should only be performed by trained professionals following established protocols. Proper personal protective equipment (PPE) and emergency medical response knowledge are essential. Always consult HAZMAT experts, follow local, state, and federal regulations, and adhere to guidance from OSHA, EPA, and CDC for fentanyl-related decontamination.

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