Kansas Clandestine Drug Lab Cleanup Program
Cleaning Up Former Methamphetamine Labs
These guidelines have been established by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment - Meth Lab Cleanup Program. KDHE would like to acknowledge the Missouri Department of Health for permission to utilize their guidelines for the development of this publication. If after reading these guidelines you have questions, please call the KDHE Meth Lab Cleanup Program at (785) 368-7301.
Introduction
The contamination present in a former meth lab can affect soil, ground water, air, furniture, and structure materials, such as flooring, vents, and walls. Many of the contaminants present during the meth cooking process can be harmful if humans or pets are exposed to them. The contaminants can cause health problems, including headaches, nausea, dizziness, and skin and eye irritation and burns. Short-term exposures to high concentrations of some of these chemicals are common to first responders, such as fire departments or law enforcement officers first entering a lab. These exposures may cause severe health problems including lung damage and chemical burns to the body.
Cases have been reported where children and adults living in a house or other structure that formerly contained a meth lab encountered lingering health problems. There is little research about the health effects from long-term exposure to the contaminants left behind after a meth lab is dismantled. The KDHE advises property owners to exercise caution and use the safest possible cleaning practices in dealing with a former meth lab property and any remaining contamination.
Exposure to meth residues may cause symptoms similar to those experienced by meth users. Meth affects the central nervous system and will increase heart rate and blood pressure. Exposure to volatile organic compounds (VOCs) may cause symptoms such as nose and throat irritation, headaches, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, confusion and breathing difficulties. Benzene, a potential meth chemical, is a carcinogen.
Chemicals that are acids or bases will cause a burning sensation on the skin and in mucous membranes, and can cause severe eye damage. Exposure to hazardous metals and salts can cause a wide range of health effects including respiratory irritation, decreased mental function, anemia, kidney damage and birth defects.
The property owner is responsible for cleaning the property. A proper cleaning is essential to ensure the safety of all potential occupants of the residence in the future. The property owner is liable for all injuries resulting from contamination left on site. These guidelines have been established to assist the property owner’s cleanup of former meth labs, which may help ensure the safety of their property and tenants.
How can a property be cleaned?
There is currently no official federal guidance or regulations on how to clean up a former meth lab property for reoccupation. KDHE is working to find an answer that will protect the public and be practical for property owners. Responses from across the country to the cleanup of these properties have ranged from doing nothing to complete demolition.
KDHE believes the safest way to clean up a former meth lab is to hire environmental companies trained in hazardous substance removal and cleanup. Owners that clean their own properties should be aware that household building materials and furniture could absorb contaminants and give off fumes. Use caution and wear clothing to protect your skin, such as gloves, long sleeves, and eye protection during cleaning. Smoking should not be permitted during the cleanup process.
General Guidelines
Air out the structure - After law enforcement officials seize a lab, KDHE and their contractor will remove lab waste, bulk chemicals, and visible contamination. During this removal, every effort is made to air out the structure for the safety of the removal crew. For security reasons, the structure is usually closed upon their departure. The short-term airing-out may not be sufficient to clear out all the contaminants from the air inside the building. Be sure the structure has been suitably ventilated for several days before cleaning. Open all the building’s windows and set up exhaust fans to pull air out of the house. During this time, the property should remain off limits unless it is necessary to make short visits to the property. After the initial airing out, good ventilation should be maintained throughout the property’s cleanup.
Contamination removal and disposal - During the meth cooking process, vapors are given off that can spread and be absorbed by nearby materials. Spilled chemicals, supplies and equipment can further contaminate non-lab items. It is a good idea to remove unnecessary items from the property and dispose of them properly. If KDHE or its contractor has not been involved in the lab response, items that are visibly contaminated should be removed from the property and should be disposed of in a local landfill.
If you find suspicious containers or lab equipment at the property do not handle them yourself. Leave the area and contact your local law enforcement agency. It is possible that some items may have mistakenly been left behind after a seizure or if the lab was never seized by law enforcement.
Absorbent materials, such as carpet and padding, drapes, clothing, etc. can accumulate chemical vapors that are dispersed through the air during the cooking process. They also may collect dust and powder from the chemicals involved in the manufacturing process. It is recommended that these materials be disposed of, especially if an odor or discoloration is present.
Biohazards may be a concern due to the injection of methamphetamine by the users. These may include syringes or blood stained materials. Be very careful if you discover any syringes to avoid accidental pokes. Syringes can be placed in an empty 2-liter bottle and disposed of at the local municipal solid waste landfill. If a syringe accidentally pricks you, contact your health care professional immediately. In the event that you discover bloodstained items, please contact you local health department for advice on disposal.
Surfaces - Surfaces, such as walls, counters, floors, and ceilings, etc. are porous and can also hold contamination from the meth cooking process, especially in those areas where the cooking and preparation were performed. Cleaning these areas is very important as people may come in frequent contact with these surfaces through skin, food preparation, etc.
If a surface has visible contamination or staining, a complete removal and replacement of that surface section is recommended. This could include removal and replacement of wallboard, floor coverings, and counters. If this is not possible, intensive cleaning with bleach followed by the application of a physical barrier such as paint or epoxy is recommended. These areas should be monitored and the barrier maintained to assure that the contamination is contained. KDHE and their contractor normally remove all of the stained surfaces and materials during the initial cleanup. KDHE will not replace material removed or damaged during the cleanup.
Normal household cleaning methods and products should remove any remaining contamination. Research has shown that full strength bleach is very effective in removing residual chemical contamination. WEAR GLOVES, PROTECTIVE CLOTHING, SUCH AS LONG SLEEVES, AND EYE PROTECTION. AGAIN, VENTILATION OF THE PROPERTY SHOULD BE CONTINUED THROUGHOUT THE CLEANING PROCESS.
Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems - HVAC systems tend to collect fumes and dust and redistribute them throughout a home. The vents, ductwork, filters, and even the walls and ceilings near ventilation ducts can become contaminated. Replace all of the air filters in the system, remove and clean vents covers, clean the surfaces near system inlets and outlets, and clean the system’s duct work.
Plumbing - Waste products generated during meth manufacturing are often thrown along the sides of roads or in yards, but most are dumped down sinks, drains, and toilets. These waste products can collect in drains, traps, and septic tanks and give off fumes. If a strong chemical odor is coming from household plumbing, do not attempt to address the problem yourself. Rather, contact a plumbing contractor for professional assistance. Be sure to notify the plumber of the suspected chemical problem to ensure they wear the proper protective gear. If you suspect the septic tank or yard may be contaminated, contact the KDHE Meth Lab Cleanup Program staff at (785) 368-7301.
Repainting - When a surface has been cleaned, painting that surface should be considered, especially in areas where contamination was found or suspected. If there is any remaining contamination that cleaning did not remove, painting the surface puts a barrier between the contamination and anyone who may come in contact with those surfaces. Even on those areas that people do not normally touch, painting will cover up and "lock" the contamination onto the surface, reducing the chances that it would be released into the air.
Should testing be done after cleanup?
KDHE is providing testing for the presence of meth in former clandestine labs. If you currently own a former meth lab contact KDHE Clandestine Lab Program at 785-368-7301 to discuss the possibility of having your residence tested.
If KDHE is involved in the removal of the lab at the request of law enforcement from the interior of a residence, then KDHE will have taken preliminary wipe samples to detect the presence of meth. KDHE will post an order prohibiting use of the property, and the property owner will need to conduct a thorough cleanup of the residence. In this case, KDHE will contact the owner of the residence to ensure proper cleanup occurs, and will take samples after the residence is cleaned and painted to confirm the efficacy of the cleanup. Currently, KDHE does not charge for testing. After the site is determined to be safe for re-occupation, the order posted on the structure may be removed if the health-based guidelines are met.
An inspection of the property by local health officials or KDHE may also be necessary after sampling is conducted. If after cleaning your residence using the guidelines in this article, you are concerned about any remaining contamination, or if your property still has an odor, visible staining, or causes physical irritation to those exposed, it is advisable to have the property further evaluated by KDHE or other trained professional. Also, if you are concerned with liability issues, you should consider having the property tested. Sampling may provide peace of mind for property owners and families. You may want to contact your insurance carrier for advice and assistance.
Remember these steps to cleaning a former meth property:
- Air out the building before and during cleanup.
- Remove all unnecessary items and dispose of them.
- Remove visibly contaminated items or items that have an odor.
- Air out the building for three to five days after the removal of unnecessary and visibly contaminated items.
- Clean all surfaces using full strength bleach where it will not ruin the surface, household cleaning methods.
- Wear proper personal protection.
- Clean the ventilation system.
- Leave plumbing cleanup to the experts.
- Air out the building for three to five days after cleaning.
- If odor or staining remains, have your home evaluated by a professional.