Meth Lab Cleanups are Dangerous – Leave the Drug Lab Cleanup to ABT
Chemicals used to “cook” Meth and other methamphetamine lab photo compounds formed during the cooking process can contaminate not only a structure, but the plumbing, A/C and heat system, yard, well and septic.
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For methamphetamine lab decontamination, we deploy a
three-step process to help protect you, your family,
guests and tenants.
1. Site Survey & Work Plan
The survey will consist of obtaining and evaluating law enforcement agency reports, both local and DEA, shipping manifests for the chemicals and cooking equipment removed from the site, cooking method used, determination of contamination in land, wells and septic systems, heat and a/c system type and design, structural contamination issues and necessary deconstruction areas and disposal areas in yard, just to name some of the information needed to create a work plan. After completing the site survey, a work plan and bid for the methamphetamine lab cleanup will be prepared for you.
2. Decontaminate the Site to Meet Your State Guidelines
This process generally takes one to ten days depending on the size and level of contamination of the site. We handle everything, A to Z, including disposal of hazardous materials that are associated with methamphetamine labs and will be produced for you.
3. Post Sampling by a Certified Industrial Hygienist
A CIH will determine and certify that the methamphetamine lab site is now decontaminated to a level within regulatory specification. You will be provided with this certification so that you may remove your property from quarantine, sell it, move back in or re-rent it. It is important to note that we do not do the post sampling ourselves for obvious conflict of interest reasons. We will hire a non-associated company to do this task.
Drug Lab Cleanup – Your Safety Is Our Business
Remember, you can’t handle Methamphetamine Lab Cleaning on your own. The laundry list of poisonous chemicals used to manufacture methamphetamines cling to surfaces and linger in the air. Unprotected exposure can result in everything from headaches, dizziness and nausea to chemical burns, birth defects, blindness, respiratory ailments, liver damage, and even kidney failure.
From a heath perspective, a methamphetamine lab is simply one of the most dangerous places you could step into. Chemicals such as methanol, acetone and benzene can invade literally every porous surface – cabinets, furniture, carpet, drywall – and remain toxic indefinitely unless the environment is decontaminated. That’s right, a home or garage that’s been used as a methamphetamine lab can pose health risks to its tenants a decade after the lab has been improperly removed. You’ll need an experienced methamphetamine lab cleanup and decontamination professional to ensure the procedure is done right the first time.
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How to Follow the EPA Guidelines for Cleaning Up a Meth Lab
Whether you've found yourself in the unfortunate situation of cleaning up a meth lab or you're planning to clean up a meth lab, it's important to understand the steps you need to follow. Meth is a highly dangerous substance and the risk of exposure can be high. The EPA has published guidelines for cleaning up meth labs and it's important to follow them.
What do you clean up a meth lab with?
Whether you're moving into a home that's been methamphetamine-contaminated or you're just cleaning a meth lab, there are several things you need to know. Meth is a highly addictive synthetic drug that can cause serious health problems. The ingredients in meth include acetone, phosphine and pseudoephedrine. The toxic chemicals in meth can cause short-term and long-term health problems.
A meth lab is a laboratory, usually in a lab-like setting, where a person cooks meth to create a high. The residue is left behind and can be inhaled or absorbed through skin. It can also be reintroduced into the air by off-gassing.
If you suspect that your home may have a meth lab, you should contact law enforcement immediately. You should also wear protective eyewear and dust masks.
You can clean meth labs using household cleaners. But you should also use specialized cleansers to remove any residual meth. The cleaning process can be difficult, and you may not be able to completely remove the residue.
Before you begin the cleanup process, test your property for meth residue. There are home meth testing kits available that can detect meth residue as low as 0.02 milligrams per 100 square centimeters.
The first thing to do when cleaning a meth lab is to check with your county and city for any requirements. During the cleanup process, you'll also want to check your septic system and plumbing system.
What Steps Do You Take When Cleaning Up A Meth Lab
Those involved in meth lab cleanup must take steps to ensure the safety of those entering the area. This includes wearing protective clothing and eyewear. In addition, they must also know how to respond if the area becomes contaminated with chemicals or fire.
If you suspect your home may have been used as a meth lab, you should contact local law enforcement to investigate. They will determine if there are any other health hazards associated with the property.
If you do find that your home is contaminated, you should contact a certified inspector to perform swab tests. The results will determine if the property is clean enough to re-occupy. If the tests indicate that you need to be more thorough, you may wish to hire an environmental firm to perform the cleanup.
In addition to the swab tests, you should also perform general sanitation measures to prevent re-contamination during cleanup. These measures include washing hard surfaces and appliances.
You can also check to see if your HVAC system is contaminated. If so, turn off your air conditioner or heater and clean the ducts. If the ducts are contaminated, you may need to hire an HVAC contractor to perform the remediation.
You may also wish to hire a plumber to remove the toxic waste from your plumbing traps. Do not use bleach or other harsh chemicals in your cleanup process. These may cause toxic chemical reactions that are harmful to humans.
What are the EPA Guidelines for Cleaning Meth Lab
EPA Guidelines for Cleaning Meth Lab are voluntary guidelines released by the Environmental Protection Agency in 2013. The guidelines outline standards for cleaning former meth labs. They are based on the best available science. They were released to provide information to the public and first responders.
The guidelines are a result of the Methamphetamine Remediation Research Act. The Act tasked the Environmental Protection Agency with overhauling former meth labs. The Act also requires the EPA to develop health-based guidelines for meth lab cleanups.
The EPA guidelines for cleaning meth lab include the removal of contaminated materials and the ventilation of the site. In addition, contractors are required to collect samples of hazardous compounds and develop a cleanup strategy. The contractors are also required to follow emergency response regulations.
After the decontamination is complete, contractors must prepare a final report based on the post decontamination sample collection. They should also follow state rules for hazardous waste disposal.
If there are any areas that are clearly contaminated, contractors should replace these surfaces. This may include floor coverings, wallboard, plumbing fixtures, and appliances. They should also vacuum with a high efficiency particulate air filter.
All of the surface samples should be evaluated to ensure that they are decontaminated to the cleanup standard for methamphetamine. The surface samples cannot have a concentration of toxins above DEQ-specified levels.
All hard non-porous household goods should be washed twice with a detergent-water solution. They should also be wiped dry to ensure that there are no traces of methamphetamine.
What Are the Dangers of Cleaning a Meth Lab?
Attempting to clean up a meth lab can be hazardous, as the chemicals used in the manufacture of meth are highly flammable. These can explode and contaminate nearby areas. In addition, the meth itself is highly toxic, and the effects of meth use can be long-term.
In addition, meth can lead to addiction. It can also cause respiratory problems, chemical burns, and cancer.
The meth lab cleaning process involves several complicated components. The most important thing to keep in mind is that the cleaning process depends on the level of contamination present.
For example, if the meth lab is a closed room, the cleaning process may not be as important as if the area is open to the public. However, the cleaning process is important to reduce heavy contamination.
The cleaning process also varies based on the types of surfaces present. Some surfaces are porous, making them difficult to clean. These include floors, walls, and ceilings. In addition, the cleaning process may require the use of harsh chemicals, as the chemicals may have adverse chemical reactions.
The clean up process is also a great opportunity to educate the public about the dangers of meth. This is especially important for children, who spend a large portion of their time indoors.
For example, if you've seen a blue discoloration on a fire extinguisher, then it's a good bet that you've come into contact with a chemical.
Who Regulates Meth Lab Cleanups?
Those interested in the cleaning and maintenance of properties contaminated with illicit drugs may be interested to know that the state of Indiana is home to a plethora of agencies and departments with an interest in restoring our sanity. One of these agencies is the State Department of Health. This department provides technical assistance to local health departments in order to protect citizens from the hazards of a contaminated property. It also oversees the cleaning and maintenance of drug labs in Elkhart County. Its motto is: "Inspect and Clean".
In the context of meth lab clean ups, a hazmat suit is a necessity. The Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is responsible for listing and maintaining a list of clandestine methamphetamine laboratories. These labs are responsible for producing one of the country's most ill-advised drugs.
The best part of the equation is that a contaminated property can be disinfected by certified contractors. In addition to the usual suspects, the state has a robust network of HazMat responders. While some of these individuals are dedicated to clean ups, others are more focused on enforcement. The Department of Health also plays a role in the meth lab saga, with the aforementioned hazmat suits being a key component of its arsenal. The best part is that it provides its own list of reputable companies.
In fact, there are so many clean up companies that the state has reclassified a property as a clandestine meth lab in order to expedite the clean up process.
What Chemicals Are in Meth?
Identifying the chemicals in meth can help you decide whether it is safe to ingest or smoke the drug. The health effects of meth can vary, but can include breathing issues, throat irritation, nausea, dizziness, and chemical burns.
The chemicals used in meth labs are toxic and can cause immediate or long-term health problems. These chemicals can also be highly flammable, which may lead to explosions.
Many of these chemicals are used in conjunction with each other, which may lead to toxic gas release and chemical fires. They also seep into the ground and pose a risk of exposure to children and adults.
Meth is considered a Schedule II drug. It is a synthetic chemical with powerful stimulant properties. It is smoked, injected, or swallowed. It produces a sense of increased energy and alertness, along with increased heart rate and breathing rate. It can also cause paranoia, mood disturbances, and auditory hallucinations.
The ingredients used in meth include pseudoephedrine, ephedrine, and phosphorus. Psephedrine is an ingredient in over-the-counter cold medicines. It is also used as a nasal decongestant.
Phosphorus is an extremely toxic chemical that can cause purplish coloring. It can be fatal in small doses. The chemicals used to create meth can also cause respiratory problems, nausea, vomiting, and chemical burns.
Meth is considered a dangerous drug that can cause long-term health effects and can cause severe physical dependence. Using meth can lead to depression, paranoia, and even homicidal thoughts. If you are considering using meth, you may want to get professional help to combat addiction.