最近一項針對意大利八大城市空氣成分的檢測研究指出，各城市空氣中都含有不同程度的可卡因和大麻成分，其中都靈空氣中的毒品含量最高，佛羅倫薩空氣中的大麻含量較高，而巴勒莫空氣中的毒品含量最少。另外，研究人員還發現，全年空氣檢測中可卡因和尼古丁的含量相對穩定，而冬季時各城市空氣中的大麻和咖啡因含量卻明顯高于夏季，他們認為這是季節性抑郁導致的。2006年羅馬空氣中檢測出可卡因成分后，政府開始資助此項研究進行跟進，研究結果將有助于政府了解各地的毒品使用情況，并合理配置警力和戒毒資源。

A study of eight major metropolitan hubs in Italy, published this week in the journal Environmental Pollution, has found trace levels of cocaine and cannabanoids from marijuana use.

A study of eight major metropolitan hubs in Italy, published this week in the journal Environmental Pollution, has found trace levels of cocaine and cannabanoids from marijuana use. The researchers also monitored the more pedestrian (and legal) drugs of abuse, nicotine 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 atmospheric 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 seasonal depression.

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

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(Agencies)

（中國日報網英語點津 Helen ）