The Dangers of Meth

On Wednesday, my daughter/assistant Amanda and I attended a class on “How to Recognize a Meth House and the Dangers Involved”. Mike Snowden, the Agent-In-Charge for the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics, was the speaker and educated us on the harmful effects of a Meth-infected house, and “red flags” that can imply Meth use.
I thought I’d share some essential information we learned from the class (and further internet research) with fellow Realtors and friends. It’s unbelievable how dangerous this drug is, and the fact it can be made in less than an hour… with easily accessible ingredients… in any environment… makes it even scarier!

What is Meth?
Meth is a synthetic drug produced or sold as pills, capsules, or powder that can be smoked, snorted, injected, or swallowed. It is a powerfully addictive Central Nervous System (CNS) stimulant.

Where is Meth coming from?
Meth is both imported and manufactured locally. A majority of our country's meth supply is produced in Mexico and Southern California, and imported into our borders. The remaining third is made in the U.S. in makeshift labs found in basements, kitchens, garages, bedrooms, barns, vacant buildings, campgrounds, hotels, motels and trunks of cars.

What are signs of a meth lab?
The most common chemicals used to start the meth-making process are over-the-counter cold and asthma medications which contain ephedrine or pseudoephedrine as decongestants orstimulants. Meth can also be made from commonly available, legitimate household products.

These shouldn’t raise any concern if you see just one (maybe two) of the product. It’s when there is an abundance of it that can be a sign of a lab.

-Over-the-counter cough, cold, asthma, and allergy medicines containing pseudoephedrine or ephedrine --Acetone
-Rubbing and isopropyl alcohol
-Iodine
-Starter fluid (ether)
-Gas additives (methanol)
-Drain cleaner (sulfuric acid)
-Lithium batteries
-Rock salt
-Matchbooks (red phosphorus)
-Lye
-Paint thinner
-Aluminum foil
-Glassware
-Coffee filters
-Propane tanks

What does a meth lab smell like?
If they cook the meth the correct way, the gas that releases when cooked is odorless and harmless; however, the majority of labs are done incorrectly, therefore releasing strong chemical odors such as ether, ammonia (smells like cat urine) and acetone (smells like nail polish).

What are the Risks of Living near a Meth Lab?
The risk of injury from chemical exposure depends on the chemical itself, the concentration, the quantity, and the length and route of exposure. Chemicals may enter the body by being breathed, eaten, injected (by a contaminated needle or accidental skin prick), or absorbed by the skin.

Home-cooking meth spreads toxins to every inch of the room where the meth was cooked and beyond. Nothing escapes contamination—the carpet, walls, furniture, drapes, air ducts, even the air itself becomes toxic.

Acute Exposure (Short-term exposure): Can cause shortness of breath, cough, chest pain, dizziness, lack of coordination, chemical irritation, lesions and burns to the skin, eyes, mouth and nose, and in severe cases, death. These symptoms usually go away after several hours.Less severe symptoms resulting from a less acute exposure cause headache, nausea, dizziness, and fatigue or lethargy.

Corrosive Effects: Inhalation or skin exposure may result in injury from corrosive substances present in a meth lab. Symptoms range from shortness of breath, cough, chest pain, to burns to the skin.

Solvents: Exposure to solvents can irritate the skin, mucous membranes, respiratory tract, and cause central nervous system effects. They are also dangerous because of their fire and explosive properties.

Chronic Exposure (Long-term exposure): Not much is known about the chronic health effects from these labs. However, there is scientific evidence from animal and human toxicity studies that shows the chemicals used to manufacture meth can cause a range of health effects include cancer, damage to the brain, liver and kidneys, birth defects, and reproductive problems, such as miscarriages.

In conclusion… BE AWARE! Share this with your friends and family, and let’s help prevent dangerous situations in the future.