Meth Labs and Meth Lab Cleanup

What is Meth?

Methamphetamine (meth) is a highly  addictive drug that creates a longlasting
high. Meth can have toxic effects that lead to permanent damage of the brain and other  vital organs and can cause seizures, strokes, and even death.Meth is “cooked” in illegal labs and can be found in many forms, including pills, powder, and chunks, and can be smoked, snorted, injected, or swallowed. Common street names for meth include crank, crystal, speed, or ice.

How Do I Recognize If a Meth Lab is in My Neighborhood?

Meth labs can be set up nearly anywhere, but are often found in rental homes, apartments, motel rooms, campgrounds, rest areas, barns, vacant buildings, storage sheds, and RVs. Meth is made using many common household chemicals. Common supplies include:
• Medication containing pseudoephedrine
• Plastic tubing, funnels
• Coffee filters
• Camp stove fuel
• Acetone, alcohol, starter fluid, or toluene
• Iodine
• Lithium batteries
• Hydrochloric acid and lye
• Matchbooks or flares

Warning signs of a meth lab:

• Strong chemical odors
• Blacked out windows
• Excessive trash
• Increased activity, especially at
night

Are Meth Labs Dangerous?

An active meth lab presents the greatest risk of illness and injury. Many of the substances used to make meth are toxic and some can catch fire or explode. Meth cooks may also set up dangerous booby traps to secure their site. When a lab is “busted” the hazardous chemicals and the cooking supplies are removed from the site. However, meth residue, spilled chemicals, hypodermic needles and debris remain on floors, counters and other surfaces. Exposure to these items may cause both temporary symptoms (nose and throat irritation, headaches, dizziness, nausea) and permanent damage (burns, decreased mental function, kidney damage and birth defects).

What If I suspect a Meth Lab In My Area?

DO NOT ENTER a site that you think is being used, or was used, to cook meth. Drug labs are considered dangerous and should only be entered by trained professionals. Never handle items that you suspect were used for meth production because contact could result in poisoning or burns, and exposing certain chemicals to water or air could cause an explosion. Only trained professionals will be allowed on the property until it is properly cleaned up and receives a Certificate of Fitness. If you suspect a meth lab, call your local sheriff’s office or police department. In an emergency, call 911.DO NOT ENTER a site that you think is being used, or was used, to cook meth. Drug labs are considered dangerous and should only be entered by trained professionals. Never handle items that you suspect were used for meth production because contact could result in poisoning or burns, and exposing certain chemicals to water or air could cause an explosion. Only trained professionals will be allowed on the property until it is properly cleaned up and receives a Certificate of Fitness.

Ohio Bio’s  Meth Lab Cleanup Services Include:

• Free on-site inspection of property in question

• Check with local law enforcement that gross contaminates have been removed

• Review of property with owner and recovery plan put in place

• Sample collection & test for percentage of meth at present time.

• Complete process documentation (photo’s from beginning to end & written report for property owner’s records & health department)

• Cleaning and removal of all contaminants from interior of structure

• Testing at end of cleaning so levels are below established threshold clean up levels or risk-based cleanup levels

• Walk through with property owner at end of job completion.

• Final work report to be sent to local health department, insurance companies, law enforcement agencies.

Check out Safety Elements , LTD. Ohio Bio’s official testing company!