Property Owners in Ohio Could be Responsible for Meth Lab Cleanup Costs

Last month, the Dayton Daily News reported that legislation was introduced in the Ohio General Assembly that would require owners of properties used as meth laboratories to pay for thorough cleanup costs. 

When meth labs are found in Ohio they are cleaned by local or state authorities.  It however, is often not an extensive cleaning so dangerous chemical residues may be left behind. 

The proposed legislation would develop new standards for cleaning the contaminated properties and an extensive cleaning to meet these standards would be billed to the property owners.

According to the article, some cities in northeast Ohio currently place a tax lien on properties where these dangerous clandestine laboratories are found.  For landlords and property owners these can lead to unexpected costs as many of these drug laboratories occur in rented or leased properties.

Methamphetamine is a potent synthetic drug that stimulants the central nervous system. Although methamphetamine can be prescribed by a doctor, its medical uses are limited, and the doses prescribed are much lower than those typically abused.

Due to its high potential for abuse, methamphetamine is classified as a Schedule II drug.

“A number of toxic chemicals are used in the production of meth.  These clandestine labs endanger not only the criminals manufacturing the drugs, but also others who may currently reside in the building or sometime in the future if these properties are not decontaminated,” reported Joe Frasca, Senior Vice President, Marketing at EMSL Analytical, a leading industrial hygiene and environmental testing laboratory. 

“Chemicals used in meth labs include flammable and volatile solvents such as methanol, ether, benzene, methylene chloride, trichloroethane and toluene.  Muriatic acid, sodium hydroxide and ammonia may also be used. The only way to know the extent of any contamination is to conduct environmental testing,” he continued. 

EMSL has sponsored a public service video on the environmental dangers of meth laboratories that can be viewed at:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GfdbuOp00Fg

To learn more about methamphetamine testing services, or to request testing supplies, please visit www.EMSL.com, email  info@EMSL.com  or call (800) 220-3675.

About EMSL Analytical, Inc.

EMSL Analytical is a nationally recognized and locally focused provider of environmental and materials testing services and products to professionals and the general public.  The company has an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies. 

Contact Information

Joseph Frasca

Senior VP of Marketing

EMSL Analytical, Inc.

(1) 1-800-220-3675

jfrasca@emsl.com