Report Indicates Large Increase in Cocaine Use by Safety-Sensitive Workers

Cinnaminson, NJ, September 17, 2012

Early this year, The Orange County Register published an eye opening report about cocaine use amongst individuals with jobs that are considered to be safety-sensitive.  It specifically noted a 33% jump in the number of positive test results for cocaine last year.

According to the article, “The study involved 6.4 employees in the general workforce including 1.6 million federally-mandated drug tests for workers in safety-sensitive jobs. The tests were conducted from January to December 2011.”

The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) states, “Abusing cocaine has a variety of adverse effects on the body. For example, cocaine constricts blood vessels, dilates pupils, and increases body temperature, heart rate, and blood pressure. It can also cause headaches and gastrointestinal complications such as abdominal pain and nausea. Because cocaine tends to decrease appetite, chronic users can become malnourished as well.”

The use of cocaine, or other illicit drugs by workers, especially those in safety-sensitive positions, can lead to devastating accidents.  “People often think that drug users don’t have jobs, but some studies have shown that more than 70% of abusers have a job,” reported Joe Frasca, Senior Vice President, Marketing at EMSL Analytical, Inc., a leading environmental drug testing laboratory.  “Cocaine and other drug users in the workplace not only have more accidents, but they produce less, reduce profits and increase insurance costs. EMSL can help test for the presence of cocaine and other drugs from samples of suspect materials to help law enforcement, employers, and the general public identify this, and other, dangerous drugs.”

To learn more about industrial hygiene and environmental sampling for cocaine or other illicit drug testing services, please visit www.EMSL.com, email info@EMSL.com or call (800) 220-3675.
 
About EMSL Analytical, Inc.
EMSL Analytical is a nationally recognized and locally focused provider of environmental and materials testing services and products to professionals and the general public.  The company has an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies. 
 

Contact Information

Joseph Frasca

Senior Vice President of Marketing

EMSL Analytical

(1) 1-800-220-3675

jfrasca@emsl.com