Why Properly Cleaning Meth Labs is Vital
Methamphetamine is an incredibly addictive drug commonly found throughout the world and is one of the most used drugs in America. It’s so common that 58% of 500 law enforcement agencies in the USA say meth is the #1 drug problem. The methods of use for meth are by ingestion, snorting, smoking, and injecting. Because it’s so addictive, many people have resorted to making it themselves. Some users build small meth labs at home while others take significant space in their house for a much larger production.
When it’s time to clean up, one of the biggest mistakes people make is using regular house-hold cleaning supplies. Whether it’s your addiction you’re trying to kick, or you inherit a space that was once a meth lab, it’s incredibly important that you hire a professional company to clean the space and ensure it’s safe.
Why are meth labs so dangerous?
Meth labs are spaces where the illegal drug methamphetamine is made. Similar to many science labs, meth labs typically have containers of chemicals, heat sources, and various types of lab equipment. All of these touch dangerous substances and can move trace amounts onto other surfaces. The materials that are needed to make meth are toxic. Even when equipment is gone, the surfaces and left behind materials can still contain that toxic contamination.
Trace amounts can still be extremely dangerous, and often contamination lives on surfaces that are hard to find. Absorbent materials like carpets, furniture, curtains and towels are also likely to contain traces of meth just like production surfaces.
How can you recognize a meth lab?
While meth production can be easy to camouflage, there are some tell-tale signs to look for in meth labs. Some of these include:
- Strong odors, some have unusual scents like urine while others are strong chemical smells.
- Cookware that has powdery residue (specifically glass cookware and stove pans).
- Open windows that are vented with fans during winter months.
- Unusual trash including HEET cans, lithium batteries, and red stained coffee filters.
- Burn piles.
- Gatorade bottles with powdery residue in the bottom.
- Plastic bottles with small tubing protruding from the cap and sometimes glued together with glue from a hot glue gun.
Professional cleaners are the experts
If you suspect your home has been used to produce meth, you’ll want to call a professional company to help. Bioremediation cleaners must first test your home to seeif meth is present and what the levels are. First, they gather samples and if the results are positive, they’ll work with you on a complete remediation plan.
Professional cleaning companies who have training in cleaning meth labs know where and how to safely clean. Focusing on the scene of the meth lab and then the surrounding areas, they thoroughly remove contamination. After the professional cleaners are done, they can do one more test to ensure proper execution. Not only will the contamination be gone, but you’ll also gain peace of mind that your home is safe. If you or someone you know needs help with a meth lab clean up in Louisiana, call Xtreme Cleaners at (800) 524-9591.