Multi-Million Dollar Meth Lab in Georgia is a Reminder of the Chemical Dangers Posed by these Illicit Operations

Last month, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) announced the dismantling of a multi-million-dollar clandestine methamphetamine (meth) laboratory in Canon, Georgia. Three people were arrested and hundreds of gallons of liquid methamphetamine solution were seized.

Not only can using meth destroy people’s lives, many of the chemicals used in the production of it are highly toxic to anyone in the area. The National Drug Intelligence Center, a component of the U.S. Justice Department, reports that simply being exposed to the toxic chemicals used to produce the drug poses a variety of health risks, including intoxication, dizziness, nausea, disorientation, lack of coordination, pulmonary edema, serious respiratory problems, severe chemical burns and damage to internal organs.

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.

“In this case, the meth lab was found by authorities and will likely be thoroughly remediated,” said Joe Frasca, Senior Vice President of Marketing at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “When these labs aren’t discovered, they can be a real threat to future families or building occupants. This is due to the fact that many of these toxic chemicals can easily contaminate carpeting, wallboard, ceiling tiles, furniture and fabrics that absorb spilled or vaporized chemicals. Surface residues are another serious concern. These chemicals can remain a hazard long after the property was used as a clandestine laboratory if the property is not remediated.”

Dedicated to helping 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. With a laboratory in Georgia, and dozens more across the United States and Canada, EMSL offers 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 chemical, residue or indoor air quality testing services, 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