Methamphetamine Lab Contamination: A Different Look at the Impact of the Meth Epidemic

The impact of the methamphetamine epidemic is far reaching. Twenty-years ago the only concern with methamphetamine was the crime associated with the drug, i.e. burglary, sexual-assault, child abuse, etc. Over the past decade more attention has been given to the “hidden” impact of methamphetamine – the residual contamination caused by indoor manufacturing and/or smoking of methamphetamine. Smoked methamphetamine and meth labs alike generate airborne methamphetamine. The pyrolytic characteristic of methamphetamine when heated causes the drug to become an aerosol when smoked.

In manufacturing, methamphetamine becomes an aerosol during the final
“gassing” phase. Both instances the residue attaches itself to any and all
indoor surfaces, as well as, infiltrates a building’s furnace and/or HVAC
system causing both safety and health concerns to innocent children and adults alike. This presentation will identify the signs of methamphetamine manufacturing; discuss the health hazards associated with exposure to methamphetamine residue; outline West Virginia’s remediation regulations; review the latest manufacturing method; and define the steps to a decontaminated structure.