Meth Clean up/Methamphetamine & Chemical Decontamination

While media has successfully educated the public about how the behaviour of P addicts adversely affects them what is less well publicised is P Pollution i.e. the pollution caused by the manufacture of methamphetamine.

For every kilo of methamphetamine manufactured there is a resultant 7-10kgs of waste which is either flushed down the domestic sewage system or storm water drains.

The potential damage to public health and the environment through methamphetamine manufacture is reminiscent of the asbestos problems ongoing since the 1970’s.

It is for this reason that the public should be warned against attempting to clean meth labs themselves. Volatile components in the air can, in the short term, cause problems involving contamination of the eyes, skin and respiratory system. These are well documented. What is less clear are the problems these contaminates might cause later in life.

CSS personnel have been working in this area of meth clean up for 10 years and have undertaken extensive study into producing industry standards and establishing a proven Meth Lab Decontamination System.

DIY Meth Clean up / Meth Decontamination – What You Need To Know

1. If the Clan / P lab has been raided by the police the regional council will be alerted, a note will usually be placed on the LIM report and a Cleansing Order enforced
2. Council will not remove the Cleansing Order unless the site is lab tested (by a recognised testing laboratory) and decontaminated by a company of “certified professionals experienced in clandestine drug laboratory decontamination using appropriate methods and personal protective equipment” Ministry of Health “Guidelines for the Remediation of Clandestine Methamphetamine Laboratory Sites.
   You will need to be able to interpret the lab report in order to select the appropriate cleaning chemicals – avoid using solutions which might react negatively with the meth ingredients e.g. bleach.
3. Unless tested otherwise you must treat all contents of a clan / P lab as contaminated waste and dispose of in a certified waste tip (insure you get a certified carrier to remove).
4. The chemicals (precursors) used in the production of methamphetamine are highly volatile and may explode without warning. Some precursors are known to be carcinogenic (cancer causing). Ensure you are using the correct PPE – masks and suits (not dust masks or coveralls from hardware shops) to protect yourself.
5. Be aware and protect yourself from hazards such as needles, syringes or blades (used for cutting the drugs) that may be concealed in unexpected areas.

Why Choose Us?

• CSS management have been working in meth clean up for 17 years.
• CSS management have undertaken extensive study, producing Standards for the industry
• Our staff have been involved in the decontamination of some of the largest P labs to date in Auckland and more than 100 nationwide with a 100% success rate
• Our trained technicians can carry out on site swab tests for the five most used narcotics

Want to know more about Meth Clean up / Methamphetamine?

Long term effects of Meth abuse

• Cancer
• Brain Damage
• Birth Defects
• Genetic defects

It can also cause health problems not just for users but for anyone exposed to the chemicals

Lightly Contaminated Areas:

Any area away from the immediate manufacturing process

• Bedrooms
• Lounge
• Dining Room
• Hall ways

These areas can be contaminated by VOC’s settling out

Exterior Contamination

• 7-10kg of waste for every kilo of meths produced
• Waste travels through soil into water table
• Public and pets at risk
• Neighbouring properties
• Drains
• Immediate/local environment

Cross Contamination and Health Risks

• All items on the property should be disposed of unless they have been lab tested and show no contamination
• Items removed from the property prior to testing pose a health risk to those who remove it or subsequently use it i.e. electrical goods, soft furnishings

Who is at risk?

• Real Estate Agent / Property Owner
• New Tenants
• Trades people e.g. plumber, carpet layer etc
• Housing Inspectors
• Healthcare workers e.g. Plunket etc
• Children and Neighbours
• Any person who enters the property!

Who should clean a “P” lab?

Property owners should be strongly advised against cleaning a lab themselves!

• Cleaning will not meet council requirements
• Cleansing order will remain in force
• Health risks to owner
• Inadequate PPE
• Cross Contamination
• Chemical reactions
• Health hazards for future occupants

Key Trends – Survey of New Zealand meth scene changes

• The popularity of smoking methamphetamine as opposed to the previous tradition of snorting
• The emergence of injecting methamphetamine
• The prevalence of pure crystal forms of methamphetamine as opposed to cut powder
• Increased number of methamphetamine users coming to the attention of Police and drug treatment
• The easy availability of methamphetamine
• Greater cross section of society now using methamphetamine
• Sale of methamphetamine from cannabis tinny houses
• Marketing of methamphetamine to lower socio-economic groups
• Violence and property crime associated methamphetamine use
• Increased drug dealing by methamphetamine users
• Serious violence and domestic violence associated with methamphetamine