Meth Labs
General Overview
Indoor/Outdoor Contamination
Major Methods of Cleaning
State Clean Up Recommendations
Lab Photo Gallery
|
A methamphetamine laboratory is typically not a
large, permanent facility . The ingredients are common
and generally easy to come by, so a lab may be set up nearly anywhere.
In South Dakota, labs have been discovered
in the country, in small towns and in the largest cities, in homes,
apartments and motels. In fact, Meth can be made in makeshift labs small
enough to be stored in a suitcase and
set up anywhere.Being in or near a Meth lab is extremely
dangerous. The toxic nature of the ingredients leaves behind hazardous
waste - six pounds of residue are generated by each pound of Meth manufactured.
It costs an average of $2,500 to clean up a Meth lab, but costs can run as high
as $10,000.
When the ingredients are combined, they can
ignite, causing explosions, fires and the release of toxic fumes. Many
times, the waste material is dumped outdoors, causing irreparable damage to the
environment and drinking water. Vapors seep into plaster and wood.
Harsh liquids that are dumped or spilled can remain for a long time as residue
in bathtubs, toilets or sinks.
Learn the signs of a potential Meth lab to
protect your family and your property from catastrophic damage:
r A strong smell that might resemble urine, or
an unusual chemical smell like ether, ammonia or acetone.
r Little or no traffic during the day, but
lots of traffic at extremely late hours.
r Extra efforts made to cover windows or
reinforce doors.
r Residents never putting their trash out.
r Lab materials surrounding the
property (lantern fuel cans, red chemically stained coffee filters, clear
glass jugs and duct tape).
r Vehicles loaded with trunks, chemical
containers, or basic chemistry paraphernalia - glassware, rubber tubing, etc.
r Laboratory glassware being carried into the
residence.
r Inhabitants smoking outside due to fumes.
If you see evidence that makes you suspect a
Meth lab, call law enforcement immediately and explain your concerns. Do
not attempt to gather evidence on your own, and never handle any materials that
may be associated with a lab.
|
