The Harmful Effects of Meth Labs
Personal | Environmental

Several chemicals involved in methamphetamine production present a danger of injury from fire or explosion. In addition, at a lab site there are possible risks of exposure to infectious disease in the event of skin puncture by drug paraphernalia (needles). There is a risk of injury or toxicity from chemical exposure depending on the toxic properties of the chemicals present and their quantity, form, concentration, and the duration and route of exposure.

The body may absorb chemicals or local injury may occur by one or more of the following routes of exposure: Inhalation (breathing) Skin exposure (direct skin contact) Ingestion (swallowed) Injection (introduced via skin puncture with a needle, broken glass, etc.)

Inhalation and/or skin exposure are the most likely routes of exposure for people exposed to labs. Ingestion is possible if people eat, drink, or smoke in contaminated areas, or fail to wash contamination from skin and clothing. The drug user-chemist has the additional potential of toxicity from all routes of exposure; i.e., ingestion and injection of drugs, spilling chemicals onto the skin, and inhaling vapors. Others, including children, who enter or live in labs may accidentally ingest chemicals, in addition to risking potential skin or inhalation exposure.

Inhalation or skin exposure may result in local injury from corrosive substances, and may include symptoms such as shortness of breath, cough, chest pain, or skin burns. Many solvents are well absorbed from the lungs into the body and, if the dose is sufficient, may result in symptoms of intoxication - dizziness, lack of coordination, nausea, etc. The skin, to a lesser extent, absorbs some solvents if chemicals have direct contact. Ingesting chemicals runs the greatest risk of toxicity, however, except in the event of a suicide attempt or a child accidentally ingesting these chemicals, toxicity by ingestion is the least likely route of exposure.

Exposure Risks
The risk of human exposure to chemicals varies considerably depending on the lab process, quantity and form of chemicals, and other exposure factors. Also, a lab that is actively producing drugs presents a much greater potential hazard than a building that formerly housed a lab.

Active Labs

A laboratory that is functioning and supplied with chemicals presents the greatest risk of adverse health effects for occupants and emergency responders. If a building is discovered to be a clandestine drug lab containing chemicals and laboratory hardware, it is considered unsafe for entry except by trained, licensed personnel wearing appropriate personal protective equipment.

Danger of explosion and fire are a serious risk due to large amounts of solvents that may be present upon entering a lab building. A large accidental or deliberate spill of chemicals could result in air concentrations great enough to be lethal or to produce symptoms of illness from inhaling solvents or corrosives.

The lab cooking process may generate airborne chemical dusts and vapors, which could result in sufficient exposure to produce illness. Air concentrations of chemicals may vary considerably depending on the lab process and quantity of chemicals present. Another potential serious risk of chemical exposure may occur if occupants set up chemical “booby traps" in an effort to injure or disable potential intruders. Immediate injury with onset of symptoms from chemical exposure is the most significant health risk related to methamphetamine manufacture. When this occurs it is known as an “acute exposure.”

A typical Meth Lab location

Harmful Environmental Effects of Meth Labs

It is estimated that 5-7 pounds of chemical waste is produced for each pound of meth manufactured. This waste commonly finds its way into the environment through many different routes. A large percentage of this material is dumped down drains. If a drain is connected to a sanitary sewer it could negatively affect wastewater treatment plants. If it is connected to a septic system, it could cause that system to be ineffective and contaminate soil and ground water. If the material is dumped into a storm sewer, the waste will eventually make its way into lakes, rivers, and streams. This can kill fish, birds, and animals as well as contaminate surface water. If large amounts of waste are buried or dumped they may contaminate wells or groundwater. If the material is burned hazardous byproducts may be released into the air and hazardous residues may collect on the ground.

Meth production also releases toxic gasses, including, but not limited to, hydrochloric acid, hydrogen chloride, phosphine, and ammonia. These gasses are released during the cooking process and can be deadly. Some meth production requires using explosive materials, some of which may include lithium aluminum hydride, and sodium and potassium metal. Add to these materials the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as acetone, ether, and methanol that are frequently present in meth production and a lab becomes potentially explosive.

If you come upon a lab or discover any chemicals that were improperly disposed of, do not touch anything! Call your local law enforcement authorities!