Be Safe as Houses
Meth Contamination
Meth contamination of properties and their contents can occur during the manufacturing or use of Methamphetamine. Both methods result in aerosols being released into the surrounding area. The now airborne particles settle on surfaces and can also be transported to various other locations in the property via air flow. Whilst most research concentrates on residues from manufacture current research by Flinders University shows that Smoking of Meth is often repeated and taking place over longer periods of time and therefore can result in high levels of contamination.
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In addition airflow and the composition of surface materials has a major role to play in where the residue will settle and what it will contaminate. This can lead to one area of a room having low level readings whilst another area of the room has very high readings.
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Can you see Meth contamination?
Which of these cars would you think is contaminated with Methamphetamine and/or the toxic chemicals used to manufacture it?
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You cannot tell by the 'look' of a car, property or item. Meth contamination is invisible and it is not restricted to any socioeconomic product or property.
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Drug dealers and 'cooks' can be very wealthy people and drive very expensive cars and live in very exclusive locations. One remediation company owner told us he gets called out to remediate more up market homes than he does to state owned housing.
Any of the properties or items below
can be Meth contaminated
Multiple dwelling establishments such an apartment complex is most often due to smoking of Meth in a unit. The rental cost has no bearing on whether a unit will be used for smoking Meth as many users are in highly paying jobs.
It may be possible to remove Meth from clothing but not from soft toys. With soft toys the Meth is absorbed by the filling and therefore impossible to remove. Clothing that has been exposed to Meth can be cleaned by washing three to four times through a full cycle with maximum water and minimum load of clothing. This will allow the meth to be rinsed out of the clothing.
It may be possible to clean Glass but plastics are very doubtful. If the glass is a smooth surface it will be easier to clean, any dimples or crevices and it may not be possible to remove it all.
Anything made of material such as sofas etc will be impossible to clean. If the Meth has penetrated the interior filling then destruction can be the only option.
How to know if there is Meth Contamination
There are three ways that a property becomes Meth contaminated.
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Through the manufacture of Meth (a Clan lab),
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Through the use of Meth by an addict (a Smoke House)
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Through the storage or distribution of Meth.
Clan Labs are very dangerous so your first port of call is to determine which method of contamination you might be being confronted with.
How do you know which it is?
Clan Labs
Clan labs can be extremely dangerous, so it’s important to put your safety first. Its not always houses that are used. Sometimes motel rooms, garages, warehouses and even cars are used.
If you suspect Meth production then caution is always the best tactic to utilise.
Smoke House
Smoke houses are places in which the drug has been smoked by addicts. This can have been a sole occupant but is traditionally a gathering place for multiple users.
Storage or distribution
The storage and distribution of Meth can also cause contamination. Whilst often at lower levels than use or manufacture there will still be contamination of the premises.
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Ammonia or solvent smells
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Windows covered in plastic or tin foil
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Chemical containers stored or stock piled
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Glass equipment and cookware that is stained
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Plastic or glass containers fitted with glass or rubber tubing
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The presence of numerous cold tablet packages
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A disproportionate amount of rubbish for the number of people living in the home
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Portable gas tanks or other cylinders not normally seen or used in the area
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Chemical stains around household kitchen sinks, laundry, bathroom or storm water drains Yellow/brown/pink staining of interior floor, wall, ceiling and appliance surfaces
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Extra or over-the-top security systems or other devices
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Dead or dying vegetation/ lawns in outdoor areas
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Increased activity, especially at night
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Unusual structures, such as a lean-to on the back of the house and use of tarpaulins
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Renters insisting on paying their rent in cash
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Having a friendly chat with the neighbours can help you find out about any unusual activity on the property when you’re not around.
Clan Lab warning signs that you should look for
Clan Labs
If you even suspect for one moment that a property may be a meth lab the first thing you need to do is think of your safety. The following are the Do's and Don'ts.
DO
Evacuate everyone immediately
Call the police
Stay outside
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DON’T
Do not turn any electrical device on or off, such as lights or a fan, as this could trigger an explosion.
Do not shut off the water supply to the property
Do not try to stop a chemical reaction
Do not smoke in or near a clan lab
Do not use a mobile phone or other device that might cause a spark
Do not try to move the clan lab or any materials or clean the property
Smoke House
It’s hard to ‘see’ Meth use in a home. Meth is odourless and invisible. However continuous use will leave a build-up of contamination on surfaces. Neighbours are often the best source of information on the behaviour of previous residents of the property. Suspicious behaviour, erratic moods and hostility can be clear indicators of drug use. Many of the above warning signs may be present with a smoke house as some users also use the 'shake and bake' method of preparing personal use amounts of Meth. This method uses many of the toxic chemicals that the meth cooks use.
If you do suspect contamination, please visit our METH TESTING page immediately. Here you will find information on how to determine if there is Meth contamination, and the next steps in the process.