Scientists Can Do Drug Testing on Whole Cities
August 22, 2007
Associated Press
WASHINGTON — Researchers have figured out a way to give entire communities a drug test. All they need is a teaspoon of wastewater from a city sewer plant.
Oregon State University scientists have already tested the wastewater in ten U.S. cities for remnants of drugs, both legal and illegal, They were able get a snapshot of what people are taking. One researcher calls it "community urinalysis."
The testing isn't designed to point to any one person as a drug user. But, it could help law enforcement and other agencies track the spread of dangerous drugs, like methamphetamines, across the country.
The lead researcher says one city with a lot of gambling showed high levels of methamphetamine while a smaller locale showed virtually none.
By the way, caffeine is by far the most consumed substance in America. | 
