Guidelines for Meth Cleanup

Meth production uses commonly found household products that, when used for household purposes, are generally considered safe. However, when combined and processed to formulate methamphetamine, hazardous chemicals are produced that may be corrosive, flammable, explosive, and toxic. Each pound of methamphetamine made can produce nine to eleven pounds of toxic waste. Methamphetamine “cooks” may dispose of toxic waste without any consideration to the environment or human health. Chemicals are commonly dumped in the sink, bath tubs, and outdoors and have the potential to pollute surface or groundwater supplies. Chemical spills and chemicals found in unmarked containers or stored improperly can put humans at risk of exposure. After law enforcement seizes a methamphetamine lab, there remains a risk of exposure to chemical residues. Chemical residues or contamination can often be identified by chemical odors, spills, staining, and opened containers of chemicals; however, residual contamination may remain on surfaces even after bulk chemicals and odors have been removed. Law enforcement and homeowners should ensure that meth lab clean-up processes are done for decontamination and rendering a home safe for rehabilitation. This app reviews 15 tasks related to cleaning a methamphetamine laboratory, and the removal of hazardous substances.