Police Warn Residents to be Aware of Dangerous Chemicals Used to Manufacture Methamphetamine

Cinnaminson, NJ, December 28, 2012
 
Earlier this month, police from the Pennsylvania town of Bethlehem, warned residents about containers that were found with toxic chemicals that can release dangerous vapors.  The containers are believed to have been used in the production of methamphetamine and were found by an area resident.  A responding police officer, who came in contact with fumes from the containers, had to be treated for exposure after breathing the noxious vapors.
 
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.
 
Common household chemicals used in the production of methamphetamines include flammable and volatile solvents such as methanol, ether, benzene, methylene chloride, and trichloroethane. Other common chemicals may include muriatic acid, sodium hydroxide, table salt, and ammonia. 
 
The drug is often made in small, illegal laboratories.  Its production can endanger the people in the illegal labs, neighbors, and cause harm to the environment. “The case in Pennsylvania is similar to what occurs every day across the United States,” reported Joe Frasca, Senior Vice President, Marketing at EMSL Analytical, a leading illicit drug and environmental testing laboratory.  “These toxic chemicals are often dumped or left in hotel rooms, cars, homes, and apartments.   EMSL provides testing services for the drug’s components, methamphetamine itself, as well as environmental and industrial hygiene samples of the illicit substance.”
 
EMSL has sponsored a public service video on the dangers of meth laboratories that can be viewed at:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GfdbuOp00Fg

To learn more about sampling for illicit drugs and their components, 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 Vice President of Marketing

EMSL Analytical

(1) 1-800-220-3675

jfrasca@emsl.com