Hazards Left Behind in Apartments and Single Family Homes Used as Clandestine Meth Labs

In a suburb outside of Boston, authorities recently discovered what they believe to be a clandestine methamphetamine (meth) laboratory in a quiet bedroom community. The drug lab was discovered when firefighters responded to a call about a house fire. In this same small suburb, police had found what also appeared to be an active drug lab in an apartment complex just a few months earlier.

Both of these incidents occurred in a community of under 25,000 within a short period of time. These incidents highlight the fact that clandestine drug laboratories are more common than many people realize and can be found in all types of communities.

Many of the chemicals used in the production of meth are highly toxic and can give off powerful odors when stored improperly or during the actual production process. Chemicals commonly used in the drug’s production include flammable and volatile solvents such as methanol, ether, benzene, methylene chloride, and trichloroethane. Other chemicals may include muriatic acid, sodium hydroxide, and ammonia.

“A number of these same toxic chemicals can easily contaminate carpeting, wallboard, ceiling tiles, furniture, and fabrics that absorb spilled or vaporized chemicals,” said Joe Frasca, Senior Vice President of Marketing at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “Surface residues are another concern. For people living in these properties, and for future owners and tenants, it’s important to recognize that these chemicals can remain a hazard long after the property was used as a clandestine laboratory if the chemicals and residues were not thoroughly remediated.”

Available to help property owners, landlords, tenants, facility managers, law enforcement, real estate professionals, environmental consultants, and regulatory agencies detect these chemical hazards are the scientists at EMSL Analytical, Inc. EMSL has laboratories across the United States and Canada that offer testing services to identify surface residues, bulk chemicals, and air quality exposure risks. They also provide sampling supplies, personal protective equipment (PPE), and easy-to-use test kits.

To learn more about methamphetamine chemical, residue, and indoor air quality testing, please visit www.EMSL.com, email  info@EMSL.com  or call (800) 220-3675. To obtain a Methamphetamine Test Kit for detecting surface residues, visit www.EMSLTestKits.com. 

About EMSL Analytical, Inc.
EMSL Analytical is one of the leading testing laboratories 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-LAP, LLC EMLAP, AIHA-LAP, LLC IHLAP, AIHA-LAP, LLC 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