Researchers: Cocaine and LSD in Spanish Air Won’t Hurt Anyone
Barcelona has always been known for being a great party city, and that was before researchers from the Superior Council of Scientific Investigations, an institute of the Spanish government, discovered that the air there is laced with cocaine, LSD, amphetamines and opiates. The researchers said that while the amounts were negligible, they were higher on weekends.
Furthermore, The Associated Press notes that the amounts of drugs were not the same throughout each entire city. Researchers acquired data by setting up air testing stations, and deliberately placed the testing center near areas where frequent drug use was suspected. Specifically, filters were placed near universities in both cities. In Madrid, the filter was also located in a spot where drug dealers are often seen.
Rather than suggest anything noteworthy about the air quality, the results of the study are more relevant for an analysis of the types of drugs being used in the cities, and how frequently. The method will also be useful for comparing the drug use across cities and countries. For example, Agence France-Presse noted that the air in Madrid contained heroin, as well, although samples from Barcelona did not.
But the study also confirms that the drug use in Spain is more significant than that in other European cities. A similar test was run in Italy in 2007, and while traces of drugs were found, the numbers were not as high.
In Spain, in some cases 850 picograms were found, but in Rome, the highest concentration was 100 picograms, AP reported. But the scientists insist that the study should not cause alarm: the data is simply useful for “fast” analysis of drug use. Even 850 picograms would not affect a person breathing the air.
This article was originally published on www.findingdulcinea.com
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