Robertsonfall2014OHS4100: Meth Homes / Meth Labs

Meth, or methamphetamine, is a class A drug, and a class II stimulant. The key ingredient in making meth is pseudoephedrine, often found in cold medicine, however dangerous and deadly chemicals such as battery acid, drain cleaner, lantern fuel and antifreeze are used in the making of meth. Meth is often cooked in crude and unstable laboratories, in cars, houses, or hotel rooms. During the production of meth, a property can become contaminated with hazardous chemicals, and there is a strong risk of fire or explosion.

The Chemicals present in meth labs fall into three main categories: solvents, metals and salts, and corrosives (strong acids or bases). Solvents and corrosives may be gases or liquids. Because of this they are considered the greatest risk for inhalation exposure. Some of the well known solvents and corrosives found in meth labs are Ammonia, Benzyl Chloride, Acetone, and Benzene. Unless present in fine powders that become airborne, the chemicals that are in solid form, such as Lead Acetate, present little inhalation risk. Inhalation and absorption through the skin are the most common way that people are exposed to these common meth lab chemicals.

When meth is being cooked vapors from the chemicals often cling to the ceiling and seep through the walls into the drywall. While still in working operation there is a high risk for exposure to harmful chemicals in meth labs. However, after the meth lab is seized, and even after cleanup, there can be the potential for chronic exposure to many harmful chemicals. Volatile Organic Compounds, or VOC’s, found as vapors may cause symptoms such as nose and throat irritation, headaches, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, confusion and breathing difficulties. However, exposure to VOC’s, and other present chemicals, in meth labs can cause symptoms as severe as cancer, damage to the brain, liver and kidneys, birth defects, and reproductive issues.

Other than the chemicals readily present during and after cooking meth, laboratories also create a lot of toxic waste. According to the state of Oregon Division of Public Health, one pound of meth produces five to seven pounds of waste. This off product is often disposed of in an illegal manner and can sit inside, or outside, of a meth lab. Often, the liquid waste is dumped down drains, which leads to public water sewers. Also, contamination of soil and ground water can occur. People exposed to this waste, including neighbors, can become sick or poisoned from it. Also, the cooking process of methamphetamines creates a highly flammable situation, and can induce explosions.

Once a meth lab is cleaned up, and is in regulation according to the state, the property can be inhabited. However, just because the property has been clean up, there can be residual toxins. Over long periods of time, chronic exposures to these chemicals can occur. Also, in about half of the states, full disclosure of a meth lab is not required by the realtor, even though there are ordinates in place about cleanup and notification in most states. Also, a majority of the states keep lists and records of former meth lab locations.