Meth Labs

Homeowners’ Guide to Methamphetamine Lab Remediation

The production, use, and sale of illegal methamphetamine is quickly becoming the number one drug crisis that law enforcement, drug enforcement, and public health agencies face today. Makeshift laboratories are found throughout the United States in houses, apartments, motels, trailers, sheds and motor vehicles.

Physical Effects Exposure

Also referred to as meth, speed, crank, crystal or ice, this Schedule II drug with little medical use and high potential for addiction. Methamphetamine is a central nervous system stimulant that causes severe mood alterations, decreased appetite, paranoia, irritability, hallucinations and convulsions. Long-term effects of methamphetamine use include:

kidney, heart and lung damage
fundamental changes to brain chemistry and structure
extreme psychological disorders

Toxic Waste
While the widespread use and sale of methamphetamine creates social and economic problems, production facilities cause lasting environmental harm. For every pound of meth produced, five to six pounds of toxic waste are left behind. Makeshift laboratories can be found throughout the United States in houses, apartments, motels, trailers, sheds and even automobiles. Based upon preliminary findings, some of the major environmental contaminants include battery acid, lye, drain cleaner, alcohols, hydrochloric acid, red phosphorus, iodine, lantern fuel, Volatile Organic Compounds ( VOC’s), explosives, and toxic metals, These are all dangerous environmental hazards that can persist in the soil and groundwater for years.

Acute Exposure
An acute chemical exposure occurs over a relatively short period of time and may be harmful to health.

An acute exposure to high levels of contaminants found in meth labs causes shortness of breath, coughing, chest pain, dizziness, lack of coordination, tissue irritation, and burns of skin, eyes, mouth and nose. Acute exposure can even cause death. Acute reactions of this nature could occur during or immediately after a drug bust, before the lab has been aired out.

Less severe symptoms resulting form a lower level exposure include headache, nausea, dizziness, and fatigue. Symptoms sometimes occur in people who have entered a drug lab after a bust, but before the property has been adequately cleaned and aired out. Symptoms usually go away after several hours away form the chemical.

Acute exposure to corrosive substances may cause injury when they contact skin or are inhaled. Symptoms may include shortness of breath, coughing, chest pain and skin burns. Acute exposure to solvents can irritate the skin, mucous membranes and respiratory track, and cause central nervous system effects. Solvents may burst into flame or explode.

Chronic exposure
Chronic exposure occurs over an extended period of time - weeks, months, or years. Chronic health effects usually appear after a long period of time, possibly years. Not much is known about the chronic health effects of these substances, but scientific studies show the chemicals used to make meth can cause a broad range of health effects. These include cancer; damage to the brain, liver and kidneys; birth defects; and complication of pregnancy, such as miscarriage.

Lab Cleanup

The diversity of ingredients complicates remediation of these sites, and costs can range from $5,000 to $150,000. Property demolition is sometimes necessary. Sampling and abatement is performed by licensed professionals trained in hazardous substance handling and removal. When a methamphetamine lab is discovered or suspected no one should enter the area without personal protective equipment. In addition, no one should rent, purchase, or occupy a former meth lab property unless cleanup is complete and testing shows no toxic residue remains. If you find suspicious containers or lab equipment, do not handle them yourself. Leave the area and contact your local law enforcement agency or fire department to secure the area. These properties require cleanup prior to rehabilitation.

Property owners, real estate agents, and landlords who choose to clean up their own residences should seek guidance from local Departments of Public Health and law enforcement agencies on the chemical hazards and use of appropriate protective equipment. Many states require a licensed Professional Contractor to perform the site remediation. The clean up will generally proceed as follows: See the Oregon Drug Lab Program Flow Chart

Removal of lab-related debris such as chemicals and containers. This may have already be done by Law enforcement. If not, the contractor must dispose of the material according to state and federal regulations.
Air out the property. The contractor will normally air out for several days before cleaning. Good ventilation should continue throughout the clean up procedure.
Remove and destroy absorbent materials. Residues and vapors from the cooking process impregnate carpets, furniture, and drapes, these items are normally sent to the landfill with documentation of their disposal.
Professionally clean all hard surfaces. Walls, counters, floors, ceilings, etc. are porous and can hold contamination from the cooking process, or from spilled chemicals. Deep cleaning or complete removal of these surfaces is required to remove residual trace of chemicals.
Ventilation systems collect fumes and distribute them throughout a building. Heating and air conditioning vents, ductwork, and filters become contaminated and must be removed and cleaned. Cleaning should also include the surfaces near system inlets and outlets.
Plumbing collects waste products that give off fumes, and should be professionally cleaned. Toxic by-products generated during meth manufacture are often dumped down sinks, drains, and toilets. If you suspect a septic tank or yard may be contaminated, contact the local health department.
Testing should be done to establish a record of remediation. If the initial cleaning was not successful, more extensive steps must be taken. For future liability you may want to contact your insurance carrier for advice and assistance.

Neilson Research Corporation has extensive experience in site testing and provides photographic evidence and documentation, sample collection in accordance with state sampling protocols and certified analytical testing services to aid property owners with site restoration. In addition to the dwelling itself, the investigation of these properties may require an analysis of well water, septic systems, and soil. Read more, visit the Office of Public Health drug lab cleanup web page at: www.oregon.gov/DHS/ph/druglab

Rental Property

For information on how to protect your rental property against drug lab use, see: www.oregon.gov/DHS/ph/druglab/docs/protectyourpropertywebversion.pdf

Drug Abuse

For more technical information regarding the health effects of methamphetamine use, see visit: www.drugabuse.gov/Infofacts/methamphetamine.html

Local Links

Oregon Department of Consumer and Business Services, Building Codes Division and the Landlord Training Program: www.oregonbcd.org
Oregon Meth Watch Program: www.oregonmethwatch.org
Oregon Alliance for Drug Endangered Children: www.oregondec.org

National Information

US Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) www.oregondec.org
The Office of National Drug Control Policy: http://www.whitehousedrugpolicy.gov
Partnership for a Drug Free America: www.drugfree.org
NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards: www.cdc.gov/niosh

Source: http://www.kci.org/meth_info/meth_cleanup.htm