A study of eight major metropolitan¹（大都市的） hubs in Italy, published this week in the journal Environmental Pollution, has found trace levels of cocaine² and cannabanoids from marijuana（大麻） use. The researchers also monitored the more pedestrian（徒步的） (and legal) drugs of abuse, nicotine³ and caffeine. The study is a government-sponsored follow-up to a 2006 study in Rome, which found trace elements of cocaine in the air.

 

Why measure atmospheric⁴ coke? It's not because the drugs are dangerous, nor are the levels in the air going to get you high. Instead, the researchers argue that measuring airborne quantities of the substances allows them to observe trends in use that can be used to inform policy, and potentially marshal resources more effectively.

 

The researchers found some interesting results and patterns. Palermo residents appeared to use the least drugs, while the good folks of Turin had the highest airborne drug levels. Residents of Florence like their marijuana, it seems -- not surprising, given the large community of college students who live there.

 

And while cocaine and nicotine use was steady year-round, caffeine and cannabinoid levels were far higher in the winter months than the summer. The researchers chalk that up to seasonal⁵ depression.

 

If the results hold up over time, the data could help the Italian government track the use of drugs, allowing them to efficiently⁶ deploy⁷ both police and treatment-related resources.

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