DRUG LAB TESTING INSPECTION FOR LOS ANGELES COUNTY
(LA, VENTURA)

Drug lab testing for home, apartment building or business owners has become a greater concern over the past decade, as more and more incognito drug labs are set up in homes, apartments or business facilities to create illegal drugs. Landlords may need drug lab testing on occasion and our services are expert and experienced. Drug lab inspection from our Los Angeles County offices is done quickly and expertly by Affordable Inspection Services, Inc.

WHAT IS METHAMPHETAMINE?

Methamphetamine, an illegal substance also known as “meth,” “speed,” “crank,” “crystal,” and “ice," is a potent synthetic drug that is a stimulant of the central nervous system. The effects of meth are similar to those of cocaine. It gives the user a “rush” or intense feeling of pleasure that lasts longer than cocaine. Meth is an increasingly popular drug that can be injected, snorted, taken orally, or smoked. Long-term use leads to physical dependence. Meth may give a person periods of high energy and rapid speech. Many chronic meth users also experience severe depression, delusions, hallucinations, paranoia, and violent behavior. For this reason, you should never enter an active meth lab. Contact your local law enforcement immediately.

In our drug lab inspection experience we have found that meth is often made in makeshift laboratories, such as rented apartments or hotel rooms. During the production of meth, a property can become contaminated with hazardous chemicals, and there is a strong risk of fire or explosion.

WHAT CHEMICALS IS METH MADE FROM?

There are many different chemical "recipes" for “cooking” meth. Each uses different ingredients. Many chemicals used in meth labs are also common in homes. However, the poor handling and disposal of these chemicals, as well as mixing incompatible compounds, can create hazards. Common household chemicals used in meth labs include flammable and volatile solvents such as methanol, ether, benzene, methylene chloride, trichloroethane, and toluene. Other common household chemicals include muriatic acid, sodium hydroxide, table salt, and ammonia.

Meth-related chemicals not commonly found in large amounts in homes include anhydrous ammonia, red phosphorous, iodine, and reactive metals. Other hazardous chemicals can be formed during the “cooking” process.

Many chemicals may contaminate a property after cooking meth. Carpeting, wallboard, ceiling tile, or fabric may absorb spilled or vaporized chemicals. Furniture or draperies may become contaminated. Outdoor disposal sites may also require evaluation and cleanup.

WHAT HAPPENS AFTER A METH LAB IS DISCOVERED?

When a meth lab is discovered, a law enforcement agency is responsible for making arrests and seizing the lab. Evidence is removed from the site, and chemical hazard consultants are brought in by law enforcement to remove containers of hazardous chemicals related to the operation of the meth lab. Officials may also screen indoor air. Law enforcement may call child protective services if children are involved.

Once containers of chemicals and equipment related to the meth lab have been removed, the health department evaluates the property for long-term exposure risks from residual chemicals. Additionally, government agencies may assess environmental impacts from outdoor chemical spills or improper waste disposal.

NEXT STEPS FOR LOCAL HEALTH DEPARTMENTS CALLED IN
AFTER A LAB SEIZURE

Before entering a former meth lab, call the local law enforcement agency to get information on the seizure. Ask about: the amounts and types of chemicals used in the meth production; whether there was evidence of solvent use, chemical spills, or unusual odors; where the production was occurring; whether it was a low or high production lab*; and the general level of sanitation existing on the property.

When visiting a site, especially the first time, have a member of local law enforcement familiar with the case accompany you. The officer should be able to describe the situation, and can help in the event of unexpected encounters with occupants or visitors.

* In cases of High Production laboratories do not enter without full personnel protective protection including respiratory protection.

WILL EXPOSURE TO CHEMICALS IN A METH LAB RESULT
IN HARMFUL HEALTH EFFECTS?

In drug lab testing, our experiences has shown while still in operation, or prior to a seizure, there is a high risk for acute exposure to harmful chemicals in meth labs. If you discover an active meth lab, do not attempt to enter. Contact your local law enforcement agency immediately.

Many of the chemicals used in the “cooking” process can be harmful. Short-term exposures to high concentrations of chemical vapors that may exist in a functioning meth lab can cause severe health problems or even death. For this reason, meth “cookers”, their families, and first responders are at highest risk of acute health effects from chemical exposure, including lung damage and chemical burns to different parts of the body. Heating solvents inside a building can create a highly flammable situation; meth labs are often discovered when fire fighters respond to a blaze.

After the police seize a meth lab, there is still an exposure risk to chemical residues, and this contamination needs to be cleaned up. Also, properties often have serious sanitation and safety issues, such as physical and electrical hazards. Sanitation issues can complicate the assessment of chemical hazard risk. Any evaluation needs to consider the overall condition of the property.

Residues of methamphetamine and other chemicals remaining at a former meth lab are a concern for people who later use the property. For this reason, the property should be inspected and tested for residue, especially if occupied by children.

When a meth lab is discovered in a multiple-unit dwelling, neighbors may be concerned about their exposure to hazardous chemicals while the lab was still active. Neighbors’ risk for exposure is usually very low, but it is important to address any nearby residents’ concerns.

IS SAMPLING NEEDED AT FORMER LABS?

Health-Based Risk Standard (Rfd) has been established for surface METH RESIDUE in California at a level of 1.5 micrograms / 4 inch by 4 inch square of an area. Testing ensures that cleanup has been performed properly and protects the homeowner from allegations of improper response. When cleanup has not yet been performed testing can identify the areas to be cleaned and what protective equipment should be used during this cleanup.

If chemicals have been dumped or spilled on the ground, in a septic system, or in surface water, the only way of determining contamination and release of future liability is by soil and water testing.

GENERAL GUIDELINES FOR BUILDING CLEAN UP

Cleanup of the property should be following a site specific plan. Each site will differ depending on the levels and location of contamination. Once a complete visual inspection and adequate testing has been performed a site specific plan can be written and provided to the client. Affordable Inspections Services, Inc. can prepare this plan and even assist home owners in selecting truly independent capable contractors to bid and perform this cleanup.

For drug lab inspection or additional information and to schedule an appointment, please contact Steve Roquemore at 818-886-2070 or 800-761-1660 in California.