Meth Lab Discovered at Retirement Community in California

Last month, USA Today and other national media outlets reported that a California man was arrested for suspicion of operating a clandestine meth lab in a Fresno retirement community.  Neighbors of the man were shocked to learn of the discovery in their senior citizen village.

Small meth laboratories have been found by authorities in everything from hotel rooms and recreational vehicles to apartments and suburban homes.  Even retirement centers are not immune as the incident in Fresno illustrates.

Methamphetamine is a drug that is also known as speed, crank, crystal or ice. It is a potent synthetic drug that stimulants the central nervous system. During the production of meth, properties will often become contaminated with hazardous chemicals used during the manufacturing process. Flammable and volatile solvents such as methanol, ether, benzene, methylene chloride, trichloroethane and toluene are all potential hazards.  Other chemicals may include muriatic acid, sodium hydroxide, table salt and ammonia.  In addition to leaving behind dangerous residues that can linger for long periods of time, fumes can impact nearby residents and these laboratories pose a strong risk of fires and explosions.

“The manufacturing of meth has been an ongoing problem all across California,” said Michael Chapman, Laboratory Manager of LA Testing’s Garden Grove facility. “Not only are these laboratories a danger to neighborhoods, but any future building occupants could be at risk without ever knowing the past history of the property. LA Testing provides analytical services to identify the drug’s components and residues as well as environmental and industrial hygiene samples of the illicit substance.”

LA Testing has sponsored an educational video about the dangers of meth laboratories that can be viewed at: www.youtube.com/watch?v=GfdbuOp00Fg.

To learn more about methamphetamine testing services, or to request testing supplies, please visit www.LATesting.com, email info@LATesting.com or call (800) 755-1794. 
 
About LA Testing
LA Testing is California’s leading laboratory for indoor air quality testing of asbestos, mold, lead, VOCs, formaldehyde, soot, char, ash and smoke damage, particulates and other chemicals.  In addition, LA Testing offers a full range of air sampling and investigative equipment to professionals and the general public. LA Testing maintains an extensive list of accreditations including: AIHA LAP LLC., AIHA ELLAP, AIHA EMLAP and AIHA IHLAP, NVLAP, State of California, State of Hawaii Department of Health and other states.  LA Testing, along with the EMSL Analytical, Inc. network, has multiple laboratories throughout California including South Pasadena, Garden Grove, San Leandro and San Diego.

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