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Meth Fact Sheet
Professionals who enter private homes
The prevalence of illegal methamphetamine labs is rapidly increasing in Midwestern states. The methamphetamine manufacturing process involves highly toxic and explosive chemicals that release hazardous vapors and residue. The residue often permeates carpeting, furniture, wallboard, and ceiling tiles in the improvised lab and remains dangerous until removed. Anyone entering a meth lab may be exposed to contaminants through inhalation or skin contact with the chemical vapors and residue if safety precautions are not taken. In addition, residue may be carried from the structure on clothing and shoes, spreading the risk to auto, home, or office.
Hazards
The use of methamphetamine is often associated with aggressive behavior. The threat of violence from a person involved in the manufacture of methamphetamine may be a hazard to a Human Services caseworker or others who may enter the residence.
Other hazards include possible home-made “booby traps”, firearms, flammables, explosives, toxins, contaminated needles and broken and contaminated glassware.
Chemicals used to manufacture methamphetamine vary, based on the process used and availability of ingredients. Labs often contain a variety of chemicals including toluene, denatured alcohol, ether, Freon, hydrochloric acid, sodium hydroxide, anhydrous ammonia, mercury, lead, and lithium.
Health Risks
Exposure to the toxic chemicals used to manufacture methamphetamine can cause both short and long –term health effects that will vary depending on the amount and time of exposure as well as the chemical present. Some symptoms of chemical exposure are:
- Cough
- Chest pain or tightness
- Headache
- Shortness of breath
- Eye and skin irritation
- Chemical burns
- Nausea
- Lethargy
Worker Safety Precautions
If you suspect illegal activity, leave quickly and notify local law enforcement. Do not attempt to handle the situation yourself. If you are removing a child from the residence, do not remove any of the child’s belongings until the lab has been decontaminated by law enforcement.
Client Safety
If a child is removed from a meth lab site, an assessment must be done to determine the amount of exposure they may have received prior to your arrival. An Emergency Medical Technician or Emergency Room Physician should assess the child’s immediate health condition as quickly as possible after removal.
If a child can be transported to foster care, precautions should be taken before placing the child in the worker’s car to prevent transfer of the contaminated residue from the child’s clothing or shoes to the caseworker’s car or foster home. If the child appears to have had minimal exposure to the lab, he/she can be wrapped in a sheet for transport. If the exposure appears to be more serious, the caseworker may wish to arrange for on-site decontamination with law enforcement. This normally requires replacement of clothing and an on-site shower.
Training
For more specific clandestine methamphetamine laboratory training contact:
Prairie du Chien Police (608) 326-2421
Tri-River Special Operations Team (608) 326-2421 or (563) 245-2422
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