Could the Home You Want to Purchase or Lease Be a Former Meth Lab?

Countless homes in all 50 states have been used for the illegal production of methamphetamine (meth) over the years. Many were never discovered by law enforcement, which means that unsuspecting buyers or people looking to lease these properties could unwittingly expose their families to a wide range of toxic substances and residues that were left behind if the property was never properly remediated.

For properties known to have once been used as an illegal meth lab, only some states require that information to be disclosed to homebuyers. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) does maintain a National Clandestine Laboratory Register that is available to the public. This database can be helpful in some instances for known former drug labs.

If one of these labs isn’t discovered, and the home has never been properly remediated, it could be a real threat to future families or building occupants. This is due to the fact that many of the toxic chemicals used to produce meth 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.

“Many homebuyers think meth labs are only found in rundown homes, but that is not case,” said Joe Frasca, Senior Vice President, Marketing at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “They have been found in all types of residential and commercial properties, including high-end real estate. There are some telltale signs to be on the lookout for, such as strong odors and stains on walls and carpeting, but with a recently remodeled home these will likely be gone. Fortunately, there are home test kits available to help identify surface residues found in former meth labs. EMSL makes these available to homebuyers, property owners, landlords, tenants, facility managers, law enforcement, real estate professionals, environmental consultants and regulatory agencies.”

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