Insight: A Study Shows Drug Residue Found on Majority of U.S. Currency
A recent investigation by Thomas Jefferson University researchers has revealed significant drug contamination on American currency. By employing a new analytical method, the study analysed one-dollar bills from 13 cities across the United States and found fentanyl, a powerful opioid, on 63% of the bills. This discovery underscores the pervasive presence of illicit drugs in everyday financial transactions.
Matthew P. Hewes, a 2023 graduate with an MS in Forensic Toxicology from Jefferson, led the study. In addition to fentanyl, he reported that cocaine and methamphetamine were detected on nearly all the bills tested, in substantial quantities.
Although these findings are concerning, the general population faces a low risk of toxicological or pharmacological effects from handling contaminated currency, according to Alex J. Krotulski, PhD, the study’s senior author and a forensic toxicology researcher. However, the research indicated that areas with higher fentanyl usage showed greater rates of contaminated bills. Dr. Krotulski suggests that currency analysis could serve as a valuable tool for monitoring drug trends both regionally and nationally, providing timely data to public health officials and law enforcement.
Dr. Krotulski envisions this research as a potential early warning system to combat the rising drug overdose rates. He believes it could be instrumental in public health planning and drug enforcement strategies.
“Most drug trend data currently comes from police seizures, which can be delayed by nine to twelve months, leaving us unaware of the current situation for almost a year,” Dr. Krotulski explains. “This method offers an alternative way to gain timely insights.”
The study highlights the potential for currency analysis to provide a more immediate and accurate reflection of drug prevalence, aiding efforts to mitigate drug abuse and enhance public health responses.
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