Method for characterization of psychotropic substances in particulate matter (PM) How did you get started? “The first measurement was a pure curiosity. No-one had reported these compounds in the atmosphere previously. Discovering cocaine in the air of Rome led me to investigate other substances in different cities and situations. I thought it might provide information about lifestyle in terms of drug consumption and perhaps identify any health significance.” Who funds the work? “The Italian Department for Anti-Drug Policy support the work. They had interest on two levels: the actual concentration levels of illicit drugs in Italian cities, and whether this information could be used as a quantitative indicator of drug consumption.”

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About the Author

Rich Whitworth

Rich Whitworth completed his studies in medical biochemistry at the University of Leicester, UK, in 1998. To cut a long story short, he escaped to Tokyo to spend five years working for the largest English language publisher in Japan. "Carving out a career in the megalopolis that is Tokyo changed my outlook forever. When seeing life through such a kaleidoscopic lens, it's hard not to get truly caught up in the moment." On returning to the UK, after a few false starts with grey, corporate publishers, Rich was snapped up by Texere Publishing, where he spearheaded the editorial development of The Analytical Scientist. "I feel honored to be part of the close-knit team that forged The Analytical Scientist – we've created a very fresh and forward-thinking publication." Rich is now also Content Director of Texere Publishing, the company behind The Analytical Scientist.