Record Number of Meth Drug Lab Discoveries in Maine a Threat to Building Occupants

Recently, The Maine Public Broadcasting Network published an article detailing a dramatic spike in the number of clandestine methamphetamine (meth) laboratories discovered across the state. Drug enforcement authorities in the state reported that Maine is on track to double the number of meth lab busts for this year.

Not only is meth an illegal drug that can destroy people’s lives, but the chemicals used in its production can also contaminate buildings, leaving hazardous chemical residues in homes and businesses where it is produced. Chemicals commonly used in the production of methamphetamine include flammable and volatile solvents such as methanol, ether, benzene, methylene chloride and trichloroethane. Other chemicals may include muriatic acid, sodium hydroxide and ammonia.  Many of these same toxic chemicals can easily contaminate carpeting, wallboard, ceiling tiles, furniture and fabrics that absorb spilled or vaporized chemicals.

“People, and especially children, living in homes once used as clandestine methamphetamine laboratories can be exposed to these dangers left behind in chemical residues throughout a property,” said Joe Frasca, Senior Vice President of Marketing at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “Many of these chemicals can remain a hazard long after the property was used to produce meth and unsuspecting residents and building occupants could be at risk.”

To help identify meth residues on surfaces that are frequently not visible to the naked eye, EMSL Analytical, Inc. offers comprehensive testing services and has developed an easy-to-use Methamphetamine Test Kit. The kit is an ideal way for property owners and managers, as well as potential future tenants and homebuyers, to determine if there are meth residues hazards in a property.

EMSL has also produced an instructional video that describes meth sampling techniques that can be viewed at: https://youtu.be/ADQbHagMJ10.

To learn more about methamphetamine residue testing or other environmental, health and safety services, please visit www.EMSL.com, email  info@EMSL.com  or call (800) 220-3675. To obtain a Methamphetamine Test Kit or to learn more, please visit www.EMSLTestKits.com. 

About EMSL Analytical, Inc.

EMSL Analytical, Inc. is one of the leading testing laboratories with over 40 locations throughout the United States and Canada. EMSL is a nationally recognized and locally focused provider specializing in fast laboratory results for mold, bacteria, Legionella, USP 797, pathogens, asbestos, lead, soot, char & ash from fires, VOC’s, odors, radon, formaldehyde, indoor air quality, microbiology, environmental, industrial hygiene, radiological, food, beverage & consumer products and material testing services for the identification of unknown substances. EMSL services both professionals and the general public. EMSL maintains an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies including, but not limited to A2LA, AIHA LAP, LLC. (AIHA EMLAP, AIHA IHLAP, AIHA ELLAP), NVLAP, CDC ELITE, CPSC, CA ELAP, NY ELAP, TX DOH, NJDEP and multiple other state accrediting agencies. Please visit our website at www.EMSL.com for a complete listing of accreditations.  In addition, EMSL carries a wide range of Sampling Equipment and Investigative Products for environmental professionals.
 

Contact Information

Joseph Frasca

Senior Vice President of Marketing

EMSL Analytical, Inc.

(1) 856-303-2503

Contact via E-mail