Airborne Fentanyl in B.C. Supportive Housing Poses Health Risk to Workers, Report Finds

New assessments at supportive housing facilities across Vancouver and Victoria have found unsafe levels of airborne fentanyl, raising serious health concerns for staff. Testing at 14 sites, conducted by Sauve Safety Services for B.C. Housing, detected the opioid in the air even inside administrative offices, where staff may not directly interact with residents using the drug.

At three Vancouver facilities—including Osborn on West Hastings—fentanyl levels exceeded WorkSafeBC safety limits, with some readings during 12-hour shifts described as “grossly exceeding” acceptable exposure thresholds. Additionally, fluorofentanyl, a more potent derivative, was found in the air at all three Vancouver sites.

These findings were among the reasons the province announced the creation of a working group in June to improve safety standards in supportive housing, including mitigating exposure to airborne substances. The move came amid other safety incidents, such as a fire in a Vancouver facility that injured two residents.

Experts say that while the risk of overdose from second-hand fentanyl smoke is very low, inhaling the byproducts of burned fentanyl can cause health problems similar to smog exposure—leading to coughing, irritation, and worsening of asthma.

“This isn't about people passing out from fentanyl in the air,” explained Dr. Ryan Marino, a toxicologist in Ohio. “But breathing it regularly in enclosed spaces can lead to real respiratory issues.”

In Victoria, results varied across the 11 tested sites. Some office areas were within safe limits, while others showed levels that could pose health risks. The assessments recommend improving ventilation, enforcing smoking restrictions, and supplying staff with respiratory protection in certain environments.

Mark Haden, an adjunct professor at the University of British Columbia, argues the issue is rooted in policy, calling the situation a byproduct of drug prohibition. “If people had access to medical-grade fentanyl in a controlled setting, they wouldn't be smoking it in their rooms,” he said.

The B.C. government says it is collaborating with WorkSafeBC, the B.C. Centre for Disease Control, and B.C. Housing to develop new safety guidelines and reduce exposure risks for workers and residents alike.