A routine trip to conduct an onsite evaluation or pump a septic tank can turn dangerous, even deadly, if you unknowingly stumble across a property used for illegal drug manufacture.
Since the 1960s, production of methamphetamine, PCP (phencyclidine), and LSD (lysergic acid diethylamide) in makeshift clandestine labs has become a law enforcement nightmare and health threat for those in the real estate and home construction industry. Methamphetamine, also known simply as meth or ice, is a highly addictive manmade drug and by far the most common drug being “cooked” in makeshift labs. Even brief exposure to meth lab chemicals can result in shortness of breath, chest pain, dizziness, lack of coordination, irritation, and burns to skin, eyes, nose and mouth. Vaporized solvents can exceed IDLH, or Immediately Dangerous to Life and Health values, and result in coma and death.
The Midwest and California lead the nation in law enforcement raids. Because of the high profit and ease of manufacture, meth labs are found throughout the U.S. in apartments, summer homes, hunting cabins, motel rooms and abandoned farms. Small labs can even operate out of a van or car trunk.
For each pound of drug produced, 5 pounds or more toxic waste is created. Meth producers routinely dump these toxins into streams, rivers, and sewage systems to hide evidence. You may be at risk unless you know what to look for.
How to recognize a meth lab
When approaching a property, signs of a possible drug lab include:
• Unusual security measures. Property is surrounded by a chain-link fence, camera monitors, bars on the windows, “Keep Out” signs, and guard dogs.
• Windows open for ventilation even in bad weather. Windows blackened, shaded, or covered with aluminum foil for privacy.
• Makeshift ventilation systems with exhaust hoods and furnace blowers mounted in unusual locations.
• Occupants smoking outside or away from building. Meth production results in highly flammable and explosive gases.
• High traffic flow and numerous vehicles at all hours.
• Stained soil, burn pits, dead vegetation where waste chemicals have been poured.
• Meth labs produce odors normally associated with septic system failure (which may be the reason you are out at the property). Odors include a strong cat urine smell (ammonia) and rotten eggs (hydrogen sulfide). Leave immediately if you detect these chemicals, which produce gases that are poisonous and flammable.
What should you do if you discover a meth lab?
• Leave! An active meth lab can endanger you not only from toxic chemicals and flammable gases, but also from those running the lab. Users are often extremely paranoid and arm themselves, booby trap the area and use attack dogs to protect their production site.
• Don’t turn on or turn off any electrical devices or water supply. Doing so may disrupt an active “cook” process and cause an explosion and/or fire.
• Don’t say anything to the occupants in the house about your suspicions. Have a rehearsed excuse as to why you are leaving and sound convincing if challenged.
• Even if the property is unoccupied and you spot signs of a previous meth lab, don’t investigate or touch anything. Don’t go inside buildings. Don’t open septic tanks or probe a leach field.
• Seek immediate medical attention if you experience breathing problems, headaches or skin irritation.
• Wash hands and face immediately. Airborne chemicals can be absorbed through the skin. Change clothing. Shower as soon as possible. Do not contact others, especially children, until you have taken these steps.
• Alert law enforcement.
Site cleanup procedures
Meth lab wastes can contain high amounts of solvents, petroleum distillates, and liquid corrosives along with residual meth. Depending upon the production process, the septic tank discharge may include lead and mercury.
Surprisingly, the federal government has not yet developed minimum regulations for cleaning a meth site. Some states have regulatory protocols for property remediation and disposal of toxic byproducts pumped from a septic tank. Contact your local health department or state environmental protection office for assistance.
Gary Barnes is a registered environmental health specialist with extensive experience in the onsite sanitation industry. As a sanitarian, he has conducted site evaluations, plan reviews, installation and vacuum truck inspections. He may be contacted at gbarnes6614@msn.com
