ScienceDaily (Aug. 17, 2009) — You probably
have cocaine in your wallet, purse, or pocket. Sound unlikely or
outrageous? Think again! In what researchers describe as the largest,
most comprehensive analysis to date of cocaine contamination in
banknotes, scientists are reporting that cocaine is present in up to 90
percent of paper money in the United States, particularly in large
cities such as Baltimore, Boston, and Detroit. The scientists found
traces of cocaine in 95 percent of the banknotes analyzed from
Washington, D.C., alone.
Presented at the 238th National Meeting of the American Chemical
Society, the new study suggests that cocaine abuse is still widespread
and may be on the rise in some areas. It could help raise public
awareness about cocaine use and lead to greater emphasis on curbing its
abuse, the researchers say.
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