Meth Lab Discovery Leaves Behind Toxic Chemical Exposure Risks

Law enforcement officers in Ohio recently uncovered an active drug lab in an Ohio county. A home was being used to produce methamphetamine (meth) which resulted in agents from the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) Clandestine Drug Lab Unit having to carefully dismantle the meth lab due to the dangerous chemicals involved.

Unfortunately, many illegal meth labs are still being found each year and many more may never be discovered by authorities. Meth labs are dangerous when in use and after if not properly remediated, due to the toxic and explosive chemicals used in the production of the illicit drug. Chemicals commonly used to manufacture meth include flammable and volatile solvents such as methanol, ether, benzene, methylene chloride, and trichloroethane. Other chemicals may include muriatic acid, sodium hydroxide, and ammonia.

“Many of these same 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. “A number of these chemicals can remain a hazard long after the property was used to produce meth. People, especially children, that live in a home that was once used to produce meth can be exposed to these threats left behind. At EMSL, our scientists work to identify chemical hazards and meth residues to confirm remediation efforts in these properties. With laboratories across the United States and Canada, EMSL offers laboratory testing services, sampling supplies, and easy-to-use Methamphetamine Test Kits.”

EMSL has also produced an online instructional video that describes common meth sampling techniques. It can be viewed at: https://youtu.be/ADQbHagMJ10.

To learn more about hazardous chemical and methamphetamine residue testing, please visit www.EMSL.com, email  info@EMSL.com , or call (800) 220-3675. To obtain a Methamphetamine Test Kit to sample for 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