Posted by Allen on June 16, 2005 at 07:52:10:
It could depend on the method used to cook the meth. The most common chemical found would be Hydrochloric Acid.
damage from meth - Posted by wayne C.
Posted by wayne C. on June 16, 2005 at 05:53:42:
When a meth addict cooks meth in an apartment, what is the chemical that saturates the walls and floor and makes it unlivable. be specific please. where can I get this info? Thanks…Wayne
(sigh) - Posted by Will
Posted by Will on June 16, 2005 at 08:02:43:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is methamphetamine?
What chemicals is meth made from?
What happens after a meth lab is discovered?
Next steps for local health departments called in after a lab seizure
Will exposure to chemicals in a meth lab result in harmful health effects?
What kind of protective equipment can prevent chemical exposure?
How can a meth lab be cleaned up?
Is sampling needed at former labs?
What are acceptable clean up levels for buildings?
General guidelines for building clean up
Summary steps for building clean up
Should testing be done after clean up?
For more information
What is methamphetamine?
Methamphetamine, an illegal substance also known as “meth,” “speed,” “crank,” “crystal,” and “ice”, is a potent synthetic drug that is a stimulant of the central nervous system. The effects of meth are similar to those of cocaine. It gives the user a “rush” or intense feeling of pleasure that lasts longer than cocaine. Meth is an increasingly popular drug that can be injected, snorted, taken orally, or smoked. Long-term use leads to physical dependence. Meth may give a person periods of high energy and rapid speech. Many chronic meth users also experience severe depression, delusions, hallucinations, paranoia, and violent behavior. For this reason, you should never enter an active meth lab. Contact your local law enforcement immediately.
Meth is often made in makeshift laboratories, such as rented apartments or hotel rooms. During the production of meth, a property can become contaminated with hazardous chemicals.
What chemicals is meth made from?
There are many different chemical “recipes” for making or “cooking” meth. Each uses different ingredients. Many chemicals used in meth labs are also common in homes. However, the poor handling and disposal of these chemicals, as well as mixing incompatible compounds, can create hazards. Some examples of common household chemicals used in a meth lab include flammable, volatile solvents, such as methanol, ether, benzene, methylene chloride, trichloroethane, and toluene. Other common household chemicals include muriatic acid, sodium hydroxide, table salt, and ammonia.
Meth-related chemicals not commonly found in large amounts in homes include anhydrous ammonia, red phosphorous, iodine, reactive metals, and other solvents not listed above. Additionally, other hazardous chemicals can be formed during the “cooking” process.
As a result of meth “cooking”, many chemicals may contaminate a property. Some household materials, such as carpeting, wallboard, ceiling tile, or fabric, may actually absorb spilled chemicals. Furniture or draperies may also become contaminated. Soil or groundwater (including nearby drinking water wells) may become contaminated if chemicals are dumped in a septic system or on the ground.
What happens after a meth lab is discovered?
When a meth lab is discovered, the local law enforcement agency and/or the Division of Criminal Investigations, is responsible for making arrests and seizing the lab. Evidence is removed from the site, and chemical hazard consultants are brought in by law enforcement to remove containers of hazardous chemicals related to the operation of the meth lab. Officials will also screen indoor air. Law enforcement may call child protective services if children are involved.
Once the main sources of chemicals related to the former lab have been removed, the health department is called in to evaluate the property for long-term exposure risks from residual chemicals. Additionally, the Department of Natural Resources may be called in to assess any environmental impacts from chemical spills or improper waste disposal.
Next steps for local health departments called in after a lab seizure
Before entering a former meth lab, call the local law enforcement agency and/or Division of Criminal Investigations to get information on the seizure. Ask about: the amounts and types of chemicals used in the meth production; whether there was evidence of solvent use, chemical spills, or unusual odors; where the production was occurring; whether it was a low or high production lab*; and the general level of sanitation existing on the property.
When visiting a site for the first time, have a member of local law enforcement or the Division of Criminal Investigations familiar with the site accompany you.
- Always contact the Department of Health and Family Services for more assistance before proceeding in cases of high production labs.
Will exposure to chemicals in a meth lab result in harmful health effects?
While still in operation, or prior to a seizure, there is a high risk for acute exposure to harmful chemicals in meth labs. If you discover an active meth lab, do not attempt to enter. Contact your local law enforcement agency immediately.
Many of the chemicals used in the “cooking” process can be harmful. Short-term exposures to high concentrations of chemical vapors that may exist in a functioning meth lab can cause severe health problems or even death. For this reason, meth “cookers”, their families, and first responders are at highest risk of acute health effects from chemical exposure, including lung damage and chemical burns to different parts of the body. Heating solvents inside a building can create a highly flammable situation; meth labs are often discovered when fire fighters respond to a blaze.
After a bust and seizure of a meth lab there is often only a low exposure risk to chemical residues, but this contamination needs to be cleaned up. However, properties often have serious sanitation and safety issues (i.e., physical and electrical hazards may exist). Sanitation issues can complicate the assessment of chemical hazard risk. Any evaluation needs to consider the overall condition of the property.
Chemical residues and lab wastes that are left behind at a former meth lab can also result in health problems for people who use the property. Unsuspecting people can touch residues of meth and have symptoms similar to those experienced by meth users. For this reason, local health departments should thoroughly assess the property for hazards prior to allowing it to be re-inhabited, especially by children.
When a meth lab is discovered in a multiple-unit dwelling, neighbors may be concerned about their exposure to hazardous chemicals while the lab was still active. While neighbors? risk for exposure is usually very low both before and after a meth lab bust, it is important to address any nearby residents? concerns.
What kind of protective equipment can prevent chemical exposure?
At a minimum, all people entering a former meth lab before law enforcement/Division of Criminal Investigations led cleanup and removal of chemicals should wear protective eye, hand and foot covering. Disposable gloves (e.g. latex or nitrile) and a disposable protective jumpsuit (e.g. Tyvek) are recommended. If toxic fumes or vapors are suspected, only trained professionals should enter and clean the building with appropriate safety equipment.
How can a meth lab be cleaned up?
Since illegal drug labs are an emerging problem, there are currently no official regulations on exactly how to clean up former meth labs, particularly inside of a building. Situations are different in each meth lab. The Department has worked with other agencies to provide the following meth lab clean up procedures that will protect the public and be practical for property owners.
Sometimes scrubbing and painting is all that is necessary to restore a former meth lab to a safe living environment. Sometimes, contamination is so broad and extensive that the inside of the building needs complete renovation. Across the U.S., the response to cleaning up former meth lab properties ranges from minor cleaning to complete demolition of buildings. Some meth labs require soil and/or groundwater cleanup as well, depending on the extent of how and where chemical wastes were managed.
Property owners are responsible for proper clean up and costs. Owners who decide to clean buildings on their own should be aware that household building materials and furniture may absorb contaminants and, in some cases, give off fumes. Private cleanup contractors can be hired to conduct building cleanup as well.
That’s a cut-and-paste–more available at this site:
http://www.dhfs.state.wi.us/eh/ChemFS/fs/MethClnUp.htm