Skip to main content

Posts

Showing posts from October, 2012

Synthetic Marijuana “K-2” and “Spice” a Growing National Health Threat

Synthetic marijuana often sold in gas stations and convenience stores under names like “K-2,” “Genie,” or  “Spice” is a growing health threat to the United States. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention say that 1 in 9 high school seniors have tried the drugs. Calls to poison centers about the drugs rose from 2,900 in 2010 to 7,000 in 2011 and hit 1,200 in the first two months of 2012. Synthetic cannabinoids are chemically engineered substances similar to tetrahydrocannabinol (“THC”), the active ingredient in marijuana. When smoked or ingested, synthetic cannabinoids can produce a high similar to marijuana. Initially developed for pain management research and the effects of cannabis on the brain, these substances have recently become a popular alternative to marijuana. The following 41 states have banned synthetic cannabinoids: Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Delaware Florida Ge

Synthetic Marijuana and Methamphetamine Sting at Chicago’s O’Hare Airport Mail Facility

Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) agents at O’Hare Airport in Chicago , Illinois, have recently uncovered international drug smuggling activities at Chicago ’s O’Hare Airport Mail Facility.  CBP agents have discovered synthetic marijuana and methamphetamine in several packages and letters that have come into the facility from China and Europe . Steven Artino, Acting Director of CBP Field Operations in Chicago  said, “These unpredictable chemical combinations are sending some users to the hospital and others to the grave.” Synthetic marijuana is a mixture of common herbs sprayed with synthetic chemicals that mirror the high of marijuana. The American Association of Poison Control Centers reported that within the past year there have been over 500 cases of negative reactions to the still legal yet dangerous drug. In 2011, The United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) recently evoked its emergency scheduling authority to control five chemicals used to make so-

Crystal Meth Use Rises in Hawaii

Mobile Medical Corporation - A Pittsburgh based drug testing firm is reporting that Diagnostic Lab Services out of Hawaii recently released a study that concludes that 0.8 percent of the employees and potential employees tested positive for crystal meth or “ice” during the third quarter of this year. Albeit small, the increase has been observed for three consecutive quarters already — 0.5 percent during the first quarter and 0.6 percent during the second quarter. Mobile Medical Corporation (MMC) understands that in today's business and economic environment, risk management professionals and employers alike are looking to continuously improve job-site safety and workplace compliance. And that is why companies nationwide continually utilize MMC's vast array of cost efficient and diverse testing programs to maintain a better and safe work environment. Mobile Medical Corporation has offices in Pittsburgh, PA - Cleveland, OH - Baltimore, MD - New York, City - Sacramento, CA. 88

Pittsburgh Drug Testing Company Reports on Washington State and Legalized Marijuana

Washington State Initiative 502 could be the legislative doorway to legal marijuana in Washington State if approved on Nov  6.  If passed, the law would allow adults over 21 to purchase taxed, government inspected inspected marijuana at state-licensed shops. If the initiative passes: Public use or display of marijuana would be barred. No marijuana facilities could be located near schools, day cares, parks or libraries. Employers would still be able to fire workers who test positive for pot. To read more about Washington State Initiative 502 -   click here . To read more on marijuana and medical marijuana  - click here for the Drug Free Blog news cluster . Mobile Medical Corporation (MMC) , a Pittsburgh Drug Testing firm, understands that in today's business and economic environment, risk management professionals and employers alike are looking to continuously improve job-site safety and workplace compliance. And that is why companies nationwide continually utilize M

Mobile Medical Corporation (MMC) is proud to be part of this year's National Drug Free Work Week - October 15-20, 2012

Mobile Medical Corporation (MMC) is proud to be part of this year's National Drug Free Work Week  - October 15-20, 2012 .   Celebrating one drug free week a year is the first step but MMC believes that every work week should be drug and alcohol free! MMC encourages workers with drug and alcohol abuse related life issues to seek help now! According to the National Drug Free Workplace Alliance - The prevalence of substance use among workers is lower than the prevalence among the unemployed, but a sizeable  number of employed individuals use drugs and alcohol.  • 8.4 percent of those employed full-time were current illicit drug users, and 8.8 percent reported heavy  alcohol use. Visit the 2012 National Drug Free Work Week Website and download tons of educational and visuals that can be used in your workplace this year! Contact MMC to see how we can hep you celebrate National Drug Free Work Week! Toll Free: 888-662-8358

Red Pick Up Truck Turns Out to be a Rolling Methamphetamine Lab

Rolling Meth Lab Memphis police pulled over a red pick-up truck over the weekend for a license plate violation.  What they found was more than a violation.  Police discovered meth-lab related chemicals and paraphernalia.  Memphis Hazmat crews had to come in and remove the volatile materials.  The driver was arrested on meth related charges. Methamphetamine is a central nervous system stimulant drug that is similar in structure to amphetamine.  Although methamphetamine can be prescribed by a doctor, its medical uses are limited, and the doses that are prescribed are much lower than those typically abused. Most of the methamphetamine abused in this country comes from foreign or domestic superlabs, although it can also be made in small, illegal laboratories, where its production endangers the people in the labs, neighbors, and the environment. When it comes to compliant and multi-leveled substance abuse testing programs, Pittsburgh based Mobile Medical Corporation (MMC) offers

Curb Workplace Violence with Random Alcohol and Drug Testing

Recent Acts of Workplace Violence: Minneapolis sign-making business  . Empire State Building shootings in New York City . A supermarket in Old Bridge, New Jersey . Protect your firm and your staff by initiating random drug testing and alcohol screenings within your  workplace substance abuse testing program .  Having a well understood substance abuse testing policy in the workplace is a solid deterrent that will greatly enhance workplace safety. Obviously, employees who know about their employer's testing policy most likely won't violate it and risk losing their income - Especially with the unemployment rate and the economy the way it is right now. Prospective employees should also be made aware of all drug testing policies during the interview process in order to "weed" out potential abusers before they enter the workplace. A "Drug Free Workplace" policy will ensure workplace production and worker safety as well as deter negligent hiring and violen

Need a Reason for Employment Drug & Alcohol Testing? Just Look at Amtrak's Epic Fail!

AMTRAK'S EPIC DRUG & ALCOHOL TESTING FAIL Over 30 million passengers rode Amtrak trains in 2011 According to a recent report by Amtrak's Office of Inspector General - employees at Amtrak continue to miserably fail their drug and alcohol tests at a 51% higher rate than others in the rail industry .  The report stated that cocaine and marijuana are the substance of choice for those that fail their substance abuse testing. SAFETY SENSITIVE POSITIONS Employees who are designated safety sensitive have a higher testing standard based on federal drug and alcohol testing regulations. The Amtrak repor t reveals that Amtrak officials routinely and dangerously ignore compliance and often turn a blind eye to violations. Amtrak officials estimate that they've spent $1.5 million to screen employees in 2012. Want to Learn More about quality substance abuse testing? When it comes to quality drug and alcohol testing solutions, employers and risk mitigation profes