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Meth Lab Emergency Response Safety

On-Scene Safety for Meth Lab Emergency Responders:

Methamphetamine laboratory numbers are increasing dramatically throughout the United States. Since 1999 the total of all Meth Clandestine Laboratory Incidents which include lab seizures, locating of hazardous chemical dumpsites, and/or chemical and glassware associated seizures, has jumped from 7,438 in 1999 to over 17,000 in 2004. (Source: National Clandestine Laboratory Database)

Methamphetamine is a powerful central nervous system stimulant/drug that is easily made in clandestine laboratories with relatively inexpensive, over-the-counter ingredients. It is a white, odorless, bitter-tasting crystalline powder that easily dissolves in water or alcohol. Methamphetamine is derived from amphetamine, which was used originally in nasal decongestants and bronchial inhalers. It causes increased activity, decreased appetite and a false sense of well-being. The effects of methamphetamine can last six to eight hours, which includes the initial "rush" and then afterwards a state of high agitation that in some individuals can lead to violent behavior.

The Meth manufacturing or "cooking" process leaves behind five to seven pounds of chemical waste for each pound of Meth that is made. The chemical waste by-products are considered hazardous waste; therefore extreme caution must be taken when authorities respond to a reported Clandestine Laboratory setting. In addition, the aftermath clean-up is therefore subject not only to local ordinances but also to hazardous waste laws/rules. Responding to a reported Meth Lab can be extremely dangerous due to the nature of the chemicals that are used in the manufacturing process. Therefore, law enforcement response authorities who initially respond to a reported meth lab scene are trained to follow specific safety guidelines as a part of their normal drug/law enforcement duties. In most instances, specialized response teams are formed and have received the training to deal with the initial hazards associated with a first response. Their specific training is a means of ensuring both the health and safety requirements for dealing with the associated hazards are met.

Some of the safety hazards associated with an initial response to a meth lab include exposure to flash-fire(s) and/or exposure to hazardous chemicals. Skin and respiratory exposure to chemicals are two key components that require special training/knowledge of in order to prevent potential serious injury during an emergency response. The training includes educating responders of the importance of safety, which includes wearing of correct personal protective equipment for the hazardous conditions normally present in a meth lab. This equipment can include the following items depending upon the level of protection a response team has chosen based upon the actual scene:

Raid team protective equipment can consist of flashproof, fireproof outer clothing, chemical-resistant clothing, air purification respirators and self-contained breathing equipment, chemical-resistant gloves and boots or overboots. All equipment is decontaminated after exiting the contaminated environment and is normally placed in a hazardous material disposal bag and then properly disposed of.

Clean up of labs are extremely resource-intensive and beyond the financial capabilities of most jurisdictions. The average cost of a cleanup is about $5,000, but some cost up to $100,000 or more. In addition to the quantifiable costs associated with methamphetamine, there are several social costs associated to include; crimes such as domestic violence, robbery, burglary, theft and vehicular accidents related to meth use. Dependence on public assistance, special education programs and services and increase in medical and insurance costs are also among costs associated with this activity.

The aftermath: Meth labs can be highly dangerous, and therefore should only be entered by cleanup professionals. Cleanup company staff will need to determine cleanup requirements at a specific site, based on chemicals found, processes used and how long the lab was active. In rare cases, proper cleanup may require demolition of a contaminated structure. In a few cases (e.g., an uninhabitable shed), a determination of "no further action required" may be made after venting, and removal of chemicals, apparatus and wastes left at the site. Most situations will require a middle course involving one or more of the following measures:

• Removal: Furnishings, draperies, carpeting, paneling, wallpaper, etc., that evaluators believe cannot be cleaned using other methods must be disposed of according to the type and degree of contamination. Some materials may not be suitable for landfill disposal but must be disposed of by a licensed contractor.
• Ventilation: When solvents and other chemicals that may have soaked into the walls are slowly vaporizing indoors, ventilation may reduce contamination and decrease odors.
• Neutralization: Where acids or bases have been used, the potential for harmful effects may be reduced or removed through neutralization. Acids may be neutralized with solutions of sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) and bases may be neutralized by using weakly acidic solutions of vinegar or acetic acid in water.
• Detergent-Water Washing: Some nonporous and semi-porous surfaces, such as floors, tiles, walls and ceilings, can be scrubbed with detergent and water solutions. Depending on the situation, some porous materials, such as carpeting and draperies, may also be decontaminated through washing. Steam cleaning or high-pressure washes may be helpful for large areas of contamination.
• Encapsulation or Sealing: Contamination may be covered with layers of oil-based paint, polyurethane or other materials. Outdoor contamination may be dealt with using one or more of (1) waste removal, (2) drainage control, (3) removal or treatment of contaminated soils or water, (4) provision for alternate water supplies when water sources are contaminated or (5) site controls such as fencing or signs.

Specific guidelines for law enforcement personnel other than the clandestine lab responders/response-team who enter a scene can differ depending upon local jurisdictions and their specific procedures as well as the resources available to law enforcement personnel. However, the general guidelines remain consistent to attain the following:

• Contaminated areas should not be entered prior to ventilation, shutdown of equipment and removal of chemicals and equipment.
• Exposure to remnant chemical(s) should be prevented by limiting time on-site and by wearing the necessary protective equipment and clothing.
• Chemical exposures and measures to contain and/or eliminate them should be taken with decontamination methods that may include washing exposed skin and decontaminating exposed/contaminated footwear, shoes and/or clothing.

The clandestine laboratory crisis in America appears to be escalating at an incredible rate. The DEA's El Paso Intelligence Center's Clandestine Laboratory Database reported over 8,577 lab seizures in 2001, 9,188 seizures in 2002 and 9,815 seizures in 2003. Additionally, seizures of chemicals, glassware, equipment and dumps, account for another 3,000-4,000 seizures a year. Over the past 10 years, clandestine laboratories have spread from California and the West Coast to all 50 states, and they are increasingly found in major cities. The Office of National Drug Control Policy reports that, for the first time ever in 2002, clandestine laboratories were seized in Boston, Chicago and Miami, while lab seizures increased in Denver, Detroit, Los Angeles, Portland and St. Louis.

Sources For More Information

California Department of Justice

http://www.iir.com/centf/guide.htm#What%20is%20methamphetamine

http://www.health.state.mn.us/divs/eh/meth/lab/labcleanup.html

http://www.oehha.ca.gov/public_info/pdf/TSD%20Methamphetamine%20Meth%20Labs%2010%278%2703.pdf

http://www.fldfs.com/fightmeth/fire_chief_article2.htm

http://www.usdoj.gov/ndic/pubs7/7341/index.htm#Top

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