Impacts on Health of Meth Contamination

She Deserves More

It is our role as adults to protect children from exposure to toxic substances. We have to ensure that they are given every opportunity to grow, to thrive, to develop to the best of their ability.

When we ignore Meth contamination in a property we commit a child to a life that is less than they should expect. It is the gravest form of child abuse because it is committed with malice neglect.

How Meth Contamination Affects Health

Of grave concern to us is the fact that there are sites that proclaim that there are no adverse health effects from the use of Meth in a domestic environment. They claim that use of Meth does not contaminate a property and cause health risks. They cite a report by the then Chief Scientist of New Zealand, Professor Peter Gluckman. These sites refer to a quote in which he stated that "there are no published (or robust, non published) data relating to health risks of residing in a dwelling formerly used only for smoking methamphetamine". This report was commissioned in 2018, 4 years ago, and a lot of research has happened since then to prove that there is now 'Robust data available' that proves Meth contamination through 3rd hand exposure does cause health issues. This current research demonstrates quite clearly that health issues can be caused at levels way below the accepted level of .5µ/100cms2 and that smoking the drug in a property does cause health risks for those who reside in the property and for those who innocently move into the property at a later date if it was not remediated. This data and the research reports is available in our resources section. (follow this link)

We asked why would Australian organisations dedicated to giving accurate information for users of Meth prefer to believe an outdated New Zealand study than up to date Australian data? The answer given by one of their state managers when we questioned him about this was that "they did not want to stigmatise the user". Our comment to that was "so you don't mind harming the lives of innocent people and children?" There was no response to that.

Our own personal experience and the results of our research has proven to us that domestic use of the drug contaminates premises and it DOES cause health issues and severe financial problems for those who find themselves living in a Meth contaminated home.

Meth Users

Its well known that use of Meth in the form of 'ICE' has a devastating effect on the users health.

There are many stories on the internet about Meth addiction. They may be accompanied by photos of skin sores and Meth mouth but a large number of Meth users do not fit the profile of a Meth user.

Meth does however affect just about every organ in the body. with the result that use or exposure can have a detrimental affect on long and short-term health.

For help follow this link to Cracks in the Ice or Read more....

3rd Hand Exposure

3rd Hand exposure to Meth is the most insidious. This is because it takes place without the knowledge of the person being affected.

They become innocent victims of this drug through no fault of their own. They have either purchased or rented a contaminated property or they have bought contaminated goods or have been subjected to working in a contaminated environment all with out their precious knowledge and therefore with no means of being able to keep themselves safe.

2nd Hand Exposure

2nd Hand exposure to Meth occurs when someone or something is present at the time the user is smoking the drug.

They become innocent victims of this drug through no fault of their own as they are not users.

Whilst they do not ingest the drug to the same extent as the user (70% is inhaled by the user and 30% goes into the environment), they are still subjected to its toxic effects. If they reside in the home where the drug is smoked they can also become affected by touching surfaces or breathing in dust particles laced with Meth residue. Read more...

Children

The youngest victims, the children, are at great risk for physical, emotional, and developmental damage because of exposure to harmful chemicals and lack of critical care during their developing years, which will have a long-term effect on their lives. Seeing the devastation caused by this drug to children, should motivate us all to learn more about the problem. Read More....

Meth Users

We have all seen photos of the Meth user. Pox marks on their faces, teeth missing, haggard looks and zombie features. If you think that is what all Meth users look like you would be very mistaken. You cannot judge a Meth user by their appearance alone. Yes the above description is often that of a heavy Meth user but many Meth users are in highly paid jobs and their appearance will fool you.

Signs of drug use you may not recognise are:

A h
More alert
More energetic
Higher libido and increased interest in sex
Excessive talking
Intense feelings of pleasure
Rapid or shallow breathing
A rapid heart rate

For more information visit Cracks in the Ice or Lifeline

Symptoms of Meth use

Hyperactivity
Twitching, facial tics, jerky movements
Paranoia
Dilated pupils
Noticeable and sudden weight loss
Skin sores
Rapid eye movement

Reduced appetite
Agitation
Burns, particularly on the lips or fingers
Erratic sleeping patterns
Rotting teeth
Outbursts or mood swings
Extreme weight loss

Users

Symptoms of 2nd Hand Exposure

Headaches
Nausea
Vomiting
Breathing problems
Asthma
Lung disease
Hyperactivity
Rapid eye movement
Agitation
Erratic sleeping patterns
Nightmares

2nd Hand Exposure

Smoking Meth has the greatest potential to adversely affect the health of others who live with and around the user. These people are exposed to the toxic effects of the drug, albeit in lower concentrations and can be at risk of lung injury and other pulmonary problems.

2nd hand exposure

3rd Hand Exposure

Third Hand Exposure occurs when someone moves into premises that were a previous Smokehouse or Clan lab.

The toxic residue can be on the walls, windowsills and door frames. Also door knobs.

It can be in the carpet, in the curtains and in the extractor fans in kitchens and bathrooms. It can also be in the Oven, cooktop, fridge and drains. Gardens can show signs of exposure especially if the plants look distressed and /or brown or dead patches in the lawn etc.

Symptoms of 3rd Hand Exposure

Itchy and sore eyes
Headaches
Nausea
Stomach pains
Breathing problems
Asthma
Hyperactivity
Aggression
Agitation
Erratic sleeping patterns
Nightmares
Nerve pain
Flu like symptoms
Sinus problems

3rd hand exposure

Children's Health

Children are very vulnerable to the effects of Meth contamination. By virtue of their play they spend more time coming in contact with surfaces and flooring, especially carpet where Meth contamination can be at its highest levels. They put things in their mouth, toys that are contaminated. Their smaller body mass also means that what may be a minor toxic load to an adult is a major one to a child.

Some symptoms children can suffer from are:

Skin irritation or rashes
Eye irritation (such as sore or watering eyes)
Respiratory effects (such as a persistent cough, asthma or asthma like symptoms)
Immune effects (such as chronic or constant sinus or respiratory infections)
Sleep issues (such as difficulty sleeping and unusual dreams)
Behavioural and cognitive effects (increased aggression or irritability, anxiety or moodiness, vagueness or not thinking clearly )
Dental issues, particularly the delayed development of teeth in young children
Speech delay in children
Weight loss
Loss of hair

These are all significant problems for children and unfortunately can go unnoticed until they become a major health issue. One woman we spoke to reported that "I had a beautiful child till I moved into that place then he became aggressive and couldn't sleep well because of the dreams. He hasn't improved since we moved out". Sadly she did not realise that they had taken his contaminated toys, bedding, clothes and their contaminated furniture with them so he was still being exposed to the Meth.

If you want to protect your family you need to read our sections on Testing, Remediation and Disposal of contaminated goods.

Children