The spatial epidemiology of cocaine, methamphetamine and 3,4‐methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) use: a demonstration using a population measure of community drug load derived from municipal wastewater
Addiction July 14, 2009 Caleb J. Banta‐green, Jennifer A. Field, Aurea C. Chiaia‐hernández et al. 161 citations
Wastewater from 96 Oregon municipalities, covering 65% of the state's population, was analyzed for metabolites of cocaine, methamphetamine, and MDMA. Cocaine metabolite levels were significantly higher in urban areas and often undetectable in rural ones. Methamphetamine was present in all communities, with no difference by urbanicity. MDMA was detected in fewer than half the communities, with higher levels in more urban areas. The findings suggest wastewater analysis can measure community drug use patterns and may provide more comprehensive data than traditional surveys.