Cocaine, Germs, You

So, another scientist reports that most dollar bills have traces of cocaine on them, either from people snorting the drug through them or using the bills to buy it. He specified that it’s more common in Baltimore and other large cities than elsewhere.

We’ve been seeing such stories for decades. How about a story about what else shows up on dollar bills? The H1N1 (swine flu) virus, perhaps? Nobody is going to get a rush from cocaine residue on a buck, but who knows how many diseases lurk in the cash register of your favorite convenience store.

Here’s a health advice video, in case your parents or teachers never told you that money is filthy.

In other cocaine news: This week, the vigilant folks from U.S. Customs and Border Protection sent a press release, complete with the photo above, about someone they accuse of carrying a lot more than a trace of coke, and nearer her heart than a wallet. It qualified as one of those potential stories the Associated Press considers “odd” and eagerly sends around the world. You can see its version, which we posted a few hours ago, above.

Remember: Wash your hands frequently, keep them away from your face, and don’t mess with U.S. Customs and Border Protection.