Methamphetamine Lab Exposure Hazards in Residential Properties Still a Threat for Some California Residents

Earlier this year, a methamphetamine laboratory was discovered in a California home. While clandestine drug labs are not being found at the same rate, they once were in homes across the state. This recent find is a reminder that the chemicals used to manufacture meth illegally are hazards and can still pose a threat for anyone who may unknowingly purchase or rent a house that was once used to produce drugs.

Exposure risks exist because 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 meth production include flammable and volatile solvents such as methanol, ether, benzene, methylene chloride, and trichloroethane. Other chemicals may consist of muriatic acid, sodium hydroxide, and ammonia. A number of these toxic chemicals can contaminate carpeting, wallboard, ceiling tiles, furniture, and fabrics that absorb spilled or vaporized chemicals. Another concern is that surface residues can remain long after the property was used as a clandestine laboratory.

“The state law in California holds property owners and landlords responsible for providing notification to tenants and future owners of any hazards existing on a property offered for lease or sale,” said Joseph Frasca, Senior Vice President of Marketing at LA Testing. “The Methamphetamine Contaminated Property Act of 2005 also requires the clean-up of the property, so it is safe for occupancy. The problem occurs when these laws are not followed or if no one ever knew that a house, condo, or apartment was used to produce meth, so it’s never been reported or remediated.”

LA Testing can assist property owners, landlords, tenants, facility managers, law enforcement, real estate professionals, environmental consultants, and regulatory agencies with laboratory testing services to detect chemical hazards associated with illegal meth production. LA Testing has multiple laboratories across California offering testing services to identify surface residues, bulk chemicals, and air quality exposure risks. LA Testing also provides sampling supplies, personal protective equipment, and offers an easy-to-use Methamphetamine Test Kit.

To learn more about methamphetamine and chemical testing services, please visit www.LATesting.com, email  info@LATesting.com  or call (800) 755-1794. To obtain a Methamphetamine Test Kit for surface residues, visit www.EMSLTestKits.com.


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-LAP, LLC EMLAP, AIHA-LAP, LLC IHLAP, AIHA-LAP, LLC ELLAP), CDC ELITE, 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, Huntington Beach, San Leandro, San Diego, and Ontario.

Contact Information

Joseph Frasca

Senior Vice President of Marketing

LA Testing

(1) 856-303-2503

Contact via E-mail