The problem of drug abuse is a widespread issue that affects many parts of our lives. While a library might not be the first place that comes to mind when you think about drug use, it has unfortunately become a spot where some people in Multnomah County, Oregon, choose to do drugs. This issue has become so common that Multnomah County officials felt the need to bring in a federal agency to help address it.
Many drug users have started going to Multnomah County library restrooms because they offer a bit of privacy for their activities. It would be one thing if these spaces were cleaned properly afterward, but the challenge with drugs is that they are tough to clean up safely. This situation has led to library employees, people who have never used drugs themselves, being exposed to dangerous substances while simply doing their jobs.
Because of these growing concerns, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) decided to inspect three Multnomah County library branches: Central, Hollywood, and Belmont. During their investigation, they spoke with 95 library employees and found some troubling information. Thirty-four of those employees reported that they had been exposed to drugs while at work.
Another problem they uncovered was that the restroom exhaust fans at the Belmont library were not working at all, which makes it harder to clear out harmful substances from the air. There was even a case where inspectors found a needle stuck in a ceiling tile.
Based on these findings, officials concluded that many staff members were likely exposed to fentanyl, especially near the restrooms. This matches the rise in fentanyl use in the area. One of the most common ways people use fentanyl is by smoking it, and library restrooms have become a place where users feel they can do that privately.
Health officials now recommend improving the ventilation in library restrooms as one way to address the problem. Other important steps include increasing training for staff and regularly gathering feedback from employees about safety concerns.
Many internet users have expressed their support for the health officials. They are unhappy that libraries have become a hotspot for drug users. One Reddit user said, “This is not the purpose of libraries! It’s not supposed to be a modern day opium den.”
Another Reddit user, who claimed to be involved in this work, added, “What is extremely concerning to me is how normalized the exposure to employees is becoming. I just spoke to a park ranger at Cathedral Park, and she said her colleagues are exposed all the time and sometimes have headaches that last for hours after entering bathrooms where drug use occurred.”
