City Officials Temporarily Close Main Library Due to Meth Contamination Concerns

In December, the Boulder Public Library in Colorado had to temporarily close its doors after indoor environmental testing identified methamphetamine according to the news media. Testing was ordered after reports reached officials of people smoking in the library restrooms and following several instances where city workers had to receive medical attention after potentially being exposed to meth fumes or residues.

According to a City of Boulder announcement following additional contamination testing:

These results suggest that nearly all the contamination is within the public-facing restrooms and on the surfaces of the exhaust ducts in these enclosed spaces. There is a limited amount of surface contamination in a few discrete locations in highly trafficked seating areas in the south portion of the building.

Chemical residues from meth and various other drugs can be a potential hazard when touched. This is why it is so important that contaminated properties be identified and then properly remediated. In a number of states, a qualified hazard assessment and remediation may also be required to comply with existing health and safety regulations.

“Tragically, large amounts of methamphetamine come into the U.S. every year,” said Joe Frasca, Senior Vice President of Marketing at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “Equally threatening are the numerous clandestine meth labs scattered across Colorado and the rest of the United States. Anywhere that significant amounts of this drug are used, stored or manufactured can endanger not only the people involved with these hazardous substances, but also current and future building occupants.”

With laboratories across the United States and Canada, EMSL Analytical offers laboratory testing services, sampling supplies and easy-to-use Methamphetamine Test Kits. These tests are used to identify unknown substances and chemical residues, and are also important for confirming remediation efforts have been successful.

To learn more about testing for methamphetamine and drug residues, please visit www.EMSL.com, email info@EMSL.com or call (800) 220-3675. To access Methamphetamine Test Kits for detecting surface residues, visit www.EMSLTestKits.com.

About EMSL Analytical, Inc.

EMSL Analytical is one of the leading testing laboratories with locations 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, VOCs, 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 EMLAP, AIHA IHLAP, AIHA 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