Ultrastructural Alterations and Environmental Exposure Influence the Opiate Concentrations in Hair of Drug Addicts

The study examined hair samples from 1 male and 1 female drug abuser, analyzing the effects of bleaching and environmental exposure (water and soil) on opiate concentrations. Using transmission and scanning electron microscopy, researchers observed significant morphological changes in the hair fibers under all conditions. Drug monitoring revealed that opiate levels in hair decreased dramatically after 6 months of exposure to water or soil, and after 4 weeks of storage in tap water. These findings were confirmed by fluorescence polarization immunoassay and GC/MS, indicating that environmental factors can significantly alter drug concentrations in hair.