A new study conducted by the University of Washington and sponsored by several transit agencies in the Greater Seattle and Portland areas has revealed alarming findings regarding the presence of methamphetamine and fentanyl residue on public transit.
The study aimed to investigate the potential adverse effects of smoke from these drugs on transit operators and passengers, in response to concerns about their health and safety.
Researchers placed detectors near the operators' seats and concealed battery-powered monitoring devices behind signs and panels on buses and trains. The results were concerning, with methamphetamine found in 100 percent of air samples analyzed and 98 percent of surface samples. Fentanyl was detected in a quarter of the air samples and nearly half of the surface samples.
Despite these findings, Dr. Scott Phillips, the medical director of the Washington Poison Center, downplayed the health risks associated with the concentrations of these drugs. He stated, "Based on what was measured, we would not expect to see a health effect from these concentrations." However, Phillips acknowledged that the study did not investigate the potential impact of long-term exposure to meth and Fentanyl or the effects of inhaling smoke for transit operators and passengers.
Marc Beaudreau, a researcher with the UW Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, emphasized the need for further research on the long-term health effects of daily exposure to these drugs. He stated, "The potential long-term health effects associated with daily exposure have not been adequately researched, so until these relationships are established, we're suggesting protective measures that transit agencies could implement to keep operators safe."
The concerns about drug use on public transit in the Seattle and Portland areas have been growing for years. According to KOMO News, there were 1,885 reports of drug use on the bus system in 2022, with 52 workers reporting exposure to smoke from drugs. Sixteen operators have filed worker's compensation claims. One bus driver for King County Metro, Stevon Williams, expressed his frustration with the prevalence of Fentanyl smoke on buses, stating, "I don't want to be put in a predicament where I'm around drugs every day on my job - I didn't sign up for that."
The issue of drug use on public transit extends beyond the health risks for operators and passengers. The Post Millennial received reports of light rail customers, including teenagers, being exposed to meth from vagrants after attending a Taylor Swift concert in Seattle. Sound Transit, the agency responsible for the light rail system, stated that they were not aware of the incident at the time but would have responded if they had been informed.
In Portland, Oregon, TriMet MAX trains have also been affected by drug use. A report by KATU found that the trains have been delayed numerous times due to passengers using or suspected of using drugs onboard. After each instance of drug use, passengers are asked to exit the train, and the cars are aired out for at least fifteen minutes. However, passengers and operators have reported feeling unwell even after these measures are taken.
Thea Oliphant-Wells, a formerly homeless addict who now works for Seattle & King County Public Health, addressed a 2022 King County Metro meeting on substance use disorder. She claimed that secondhand Fentanyl exposure was not a significant concern, stating, "We're not seeing folks developing secondhand here, this is just not happening." Oliphant-Wells advocates for heroin injection sites, which have been shown to increase overdoses and crime, while not effectively encouraging addicts to seek treatment.
The presence of methamphetamine and Fentanyl on public transit is a serious issue that requires further attention and research. The health risks associated with long-term exposure to these drugs, as well as the potential impact on operators and passengers, need to be thoroughly investigated. In the meantime, transit agencies should consider implementing protective measures to ensure the safety of their employees and riders.
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