New research points to an increase in the presence of opioids in wastewater in Alberta. (Photo: Moussa81 | Dreamstime.com)
Opioid levels spike in Alberta wastewater samples
Aug 31, 2023 | 5:25 AM
CALGARY, AB – Researchers monitoring Alberta wastewater say the amount of opioids and other illicit drugs it contained jumped in June.
Wastewater is tested weekly at six sites throughout the province as part of a pilot by the Cumming School of Medicine and the Calgary Health Foundation that ends this fall.
Addictions specialist Dr. Monty Ghosh says the levels for opioids, such as carfentanil, were four times higher than the month before.
He says it could be an indication of a new cocktail of the deadly drug entering the market and that wastewater can act as an early-warning system.
