Spanish scientists have detected the presence of cocaine in the air of Madrid and Barcelona by using a new technique for the first time, a research institute said Wednesday.
The scientists looked for 17 components in five different types of illegal drugs — cocaine, amphetamines, opiates, cannabinoids and lysergic acid.
The results revealed cocaine is the predominant drug in the air of the two cities, the CSIC institute said.
It was found in concentrations of 29 to 850 picogrammes per cubic metre of air. A picogramme is one trillionth of a gramme.
The study is the result of the first use of a new method for the detection of drugs in the air, adapted specifically for the researchers, who are to publish their results in the review “Analytical Chemistry”.
“Heroin was also found in detectable levels in the samples taken in Madrid, but not in those from Barcelona,” the CSIC said.
This it explained by the fact that the area of Madrid where the sample was taken is close to a district where drug dealers are suspected of operating.
The scientists also reported a higher concentration of the components during the weekend, “suggesting higher consumption this time.”
But it said there was no reason for the public to be concerned.
“Even if we lived 1,000 years we would not consume the equivalent of a dose of cocaine through the air,” said one of the scientists, Miren Lopez de Alda.
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Cocaine rains on the plains of Spain.
Candycaine grains stain trains and lanes.
The best brains fight the bane in vain:
“No pain, no gain… But this is insane!”
Children crane.
In their panes it wanes.
May 14th, 2009 at 9:14AM
In the sun-kissed highlands of Spain,
Breezes waft the sweet smell of cocaine.
Don Quixote, we find,
Was stoned out of his mind.
The windmills we now can explain.
May 14th, 2009 at 10:33AM
Nice. I planned on doing a limerick, but it turned into something else.
May 14th, 2009 at 11:54AM
While for me, when I’m SUPPOSED to be doing something else, it turns into a limerick.
May 14th, 2009 at 12:46PM
odours in spring air
weekend furlough opiates
disappointing high
May 14th, 2009 at 12:58PM
The rain in Spain shows traces of cocaine (stolen from http://www.fark.com)