New study finds fentanyl and meth consistently found on public transit.

A ⁢Startling Discovery: Drugs Found on Public Transit in Portland and Seattle

A recent⁢ study conducted by the University of Washington has shed light on a concerning public transit.”>issue plaguing public transit systems in ​Portland and Seattle. The ⁢study, which spanned six months, involved equipping buses and trains with ⁣air monitors to measure ⁤the presence of fentanyl and methamphetamine on transit lines.

The⁣ findings were alarming. Methamphetamine was detected on a staggering 98% of surface samples and ⁣100% of air samples. Fentanyl,‍ another dangerous substance, was​ found ⁤in 46% of surface samples and 25% of ⁤air samples.

Perspective on the Data

While these⁢ results ​may initially cause ​alarm, it is important to put them into perspective. The Oregon and Washington Poison Centers‍ released a joint statement to address concerns. ​They emphasized that ​the quantities of drugs detected in this study are too small to produce immediate physical effects on‌ riders. ⁤Therefore, individuals who rely on public transportation for their travel ​needs can continue to feel ⁢safe.

However, the statement also acknowledged the larger issue at hand. The study serves ⁣as a stark reminder of the ​opioid and stimulant epidemic that is gripping ⁣not only the Pacific Northwest but the entire nation.

Robert Hendrickson of the⁣ OSHU, one of⁣ the ​researchers involved in the study, acknowledged the presence of meth and⁢ fentanyl, albeit in extremely small quantities.⁤ He emphasized that ⁢even though the⁢ amounts detected were minimal, their ⁤presence is still a cause for concern.

In June, the study examined 11 TriMet trains in⁢ Portland over ⁤a⁣ two-day period. Andrew ​Wilson, the executive director⁤ of safety and security at TriMet, expressed support for efforts to ‌limit and eliminate ⁢drug consumption in public spaces.

To read more about this ⁤study, click here.

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