The landscape of fentanyl use in the United States is undergoing a dramatic shift, marked by an unprecedented drop in drug purity and the rise of a new, dangerous threat: BTMPS. This industrial chemical, commonly used in plastics, is now being found more frequently as an adulterant in street fentanyl. Studies from 2024 show BTMPS was present in 25% of tested fentanyl samples, with its prevalence rapidly increasing. In Los Angeles, for example, none of the fentanyl samples tested positive for BTMPS in June 2024, but by August, 41% of the samples were contaminated. This alarming trend highlights the urgent need for advanced detection methods and timely interventions.
Health Concerns Surrounding BTMPS: Uncharted Territory
The widespread use of BTMPS in fentanyl raises significant health concerns that remain poorly understood, a concern echoed in a recent DEA bulletin warning of its rising prevalence and potential to worsen the opioid crisis. As an industrial chemical, BTMPS was never designed or tested for human consumption, and its physiological effects are still largely unknown. This emerging threat underscores the urgent need for experts to closely examine its risks and take action to protect public health.
When mixed with fentanyl—a drug already known for its extreme potency and fatal risks—BTMPS further amplifies toxicity and makes dosing even more unpredictable, significantly increasing the likelihood of overdose. Early findings suggest that BTMPS introduces an additional layer of danger to an already volatile substance, yet its full impact remains largely unknown. Given these uncertainties, it is critical for public health and regulatory agencies to prioritize research and mitigation efforts to address this emerging threat.
The chemical disrupts critical physiological processes, specifically in the nervous and cardiovascular systems. Research shows that BTMPS can inhibit nicotinic acetylcholine receptors and block L-type calcium channels—both essential for regulating heart rate, blood pressure and muscle function. This interference can lead to life-threatening cardiovascular complications, including arrhythmias, unstable blood pressure, and in some cases, cardiac arrest.
Additionally, BTMPS induces dose-dependent hemodynamic changes, meaning its harmful effects worsen as concentrations increase. This unpredictability creates significant risks for users and possibly death.
Detecting and Mitigating BTMPS
BTMPS is impossible to detect by sight or smell alone. Users of the drug say it smells like bug spray, plastic, or glue, and while most seizures have taken the form of tablets or powder, it has been detected in other mediums.
At 908 Devices, we are dedicated to providing first responders and forensic teams with the tools they need to stay ahead of emerging threats like BTMPS. BTMPS is included in our FTIR library, which is ideal for bulk identification of drugs and adulterants.
These innovations and services empower forensic teams to respond more effectively to BTMPS and other threats, offering quick, accurate identification and detection capabilities to protect first responders and the public.
A Call to Action for Public Health and Safety
The rise of BTMPS in the U.S. drug supply serves as a stark reminder of the ever-changing dynamics of illicit drug production. In response, a multi-faceted approach is required—one that includes advanced detection technologies, greater public awareness, and ongoing collaboration between public health agencies and law enforcement. Continuous monitoring, investment in innovative solutions, and education for healthcare providers and first responders will be critical in mitigating this crisis.
We are committed to delivering cutting-edge tools to detect and combat emerging threats like BTMPS, ultimately helping to safeguard communities and save lives, and will continue to monitor this ongoing threat as well as others like nitazenes.
