Illicit Drug Labs
A Meth Lab is a clandestine drug lab that is a collection of materials and ingredients used to make crystal meth, and are mostly made from common household ingredients. These ingredients are mixed and 'cooked' together to make meth. The harmful chemical mixtures can remain on household surfaces for months or years later. There may be health effects in people exposed to the chemicals used to make meth. Each meth lab is a potential hazardous waste site, requiring evaluation, and if found contaminated, cleaned up by hazardous waste professionals.
Research shows that residents (particularly children) living in a meth contaminated property are exposed to immediate dangers and to the ongoing effects of chemical contamination. This is true whether the site was used for the manufacturing or consumption of meth.
Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is 10 time stronger than heroin and 100 times stronger than morphine. Three milligrams of fentanyl is enough to kill and averaged sized adult male.
In a fentanyl pill lab, fentanyl and binders are mixed together and pressed into pill form. This process is 'messy' and leaves traces of fentanyl and binder materials behind.
Signs to look for in a property used for illicit drug production:
- Glass cookware containing chemical residues
- Bottles or containers connected with rubber tubing
- Filters, pillow cases or bed sheets stained red or containing a white powdery residue
- Stained carpet
- Glass pipes and syringes
- Burn marks on walls or ceilings
- Missing or tampered with smoke detectors
- Burn piles of rubbish in the yard
- Staining on walls and ceilings
- Closed circuit cameras and security systems
- Extreme amounts of debris
- Writing on walls
- Missing light bulbs
Symptoms of Exposure in Children:
- Altered mental state such as agitation, hallucinations & confusion
- Physical symptoms include, tachycardia, hypertension, vomiting, uncontrolled crying, seizures and uncontrolled rapid eye movements.
- Failure to thrive
- Developmental delays including speech delays, sensory integration issues and cognitive delays
- Behavioral problems including tantrums, aggression, attention problems and social maladjustment
Steps to Decontamination
Information Gathering
Information Gathering
Information Gathering
IHS staff gather all available information regarding the property, including review of any available reports and information passed on by the client. The goal is to determine the methods of 'cooking', areas where processing or cooking occurred, disposal areas and areas where hazardous materials were stored.
Pre-testing
Information Gathering
Information Gathering
IHS staff are qualified to collect representative surface swab samples to determine if meth or fentanyl are present, and determine the level of contamination. Based on these findings, highly contaminated areas can be delineated and evaluating items for removal or decontamination will be clearer.
Site Visit
Information Gathering
The Work Plan
A visual inspection provides important information such as:
- Understanding site security issues
- Assessing any safety issues
- Determining what can/can't be decontaminated
- Collecting photo documentation
- Creating a floor plan
The Work Plan
Confirmation Testing
The Work Plan
A work plan provides a clear path to the decontamination of the property. It outlines expected outcomes, responsibilities, procedures and describes the work to take place
Confirmation Testing
Confirmation Testing
Confirmation Testing
Once decontamination has been completed, confirmation testing is done to confirm the efficacy of the cleaning. These results are compared to the pre testing results, and weighed against best standards to ensure the project was a success.
Final Report
Confirmation Testing
Confirmation Testing
A final report documents the entire project so that it is clear what has taken place, and illustrates that the property has been properly cleaned. Data including pre and post testing are compiled and referenced to provide a scientific basis for declaring the property clean.
If needed for legal purposes, an affidavit accompanies the report.