Use of illicit drugs is a significant social, public health and public safety issue in the United States and worldwide. There have been numerous studies over the last few decades attempting to determine effect and extent of criminal activity, health issues and productivity issues related to illicit drug use. Estimates vary, but most put the economic impact to the United States in the hundreds of billions of dollars each year. These impacts are large enough to have a negative impact on the nation’s GDP.
Wastewater-based epidemiology has become a valuable tool in near real time monitoring of population level trends of illicit drug use. Sampling of wastewater discharges from known locations or sources can be utilized to estimate levels of drug use in a community. This technique has been utilized by state agencies, schools, and other public entities to determine areas where illicit drug use needs to be addressed. These monitoring programs offer insight into what types and quantities of drugs are being consumed by the respective populations.
Considering the negative effects to society associated with illicit drug use, data which can provide focus to an area or population. Once these specific areas or populations of concern have been identified, focused preventative measures and outreach can be initiated. Data from schools, for example, provides administrators with information that can be used to initiate specific education and prevention measures based the drugs or metabolites detected. Monitoring for the presence of these drugs or metabolites in jails and prisons can help identify areas where contraband is making its way into the incarcerated population and thereby allow criminal justice entities to focus preventative measures.
SPL is currently providing these analyses for both public and private entities. We are utilizing state of the art LC-MS/MS to detect the presence of metabolites of cocaine, cannabinoids and presence of heroin, methamphetamine, cannabinoids and synthetic cannabinoids. These analyses are providing our customers with valuable data allowing them to make informed decisions regarding public health and safety. Reach out to info@spllabs.com to learn more.
Joel Grice Executive Vice President, Environmental Services | Mr. Grice currently serves as an Executive Vice President for SPL. Mr. Grice obtained a degree in Microbiology from Texas Tech University. Since then he has spent over thirty years in the commercial analytical laboratory sector. During this tenure he has held a variety of roles from laboratory analyst to executive management. In his current role, Mr. Grice is working with his team to expand SPL’s environmental testing footprint. |
