Signs of a Meth Lab
Things to look for and know about.
A high level of iodine and phosphine are released during the Meth cooking process. Long term effects of living in a Meth lab house are: various forms of cancer, headaches, nausea, shortness of breath or other respiratory issues, damage to the liver, kidneys or the central nervous system, miscarriage and birth defects.
The clean up to a home that tests positive for Meth, can be very costly. The house would be treated as a hazardous environment and require clean up per state guidelines. Walls, floors and other surfaces would require replacement, the house would require venting and retesting of the air quality prior to occupancy. All removed walls, floors and other surfaces require special disposal. As you can see, the clean up of a Meth lab can reach into the tens of thousands of dollars.
It is difficult to know if a home has been used as a Meth lab without air sampling. Be aware if you are viewing a home that is freshly painted or carpeted. Speak to the police and to the neighbors about the history of the home. Meth labs are found in all types of neighborhoods.
Here are some common signs to look for, this is by no means a full list of telltale signs, if you are suspicious ask and keep asking about the history of the home:
- The house will have a strong urine odor, some other chemicals may have been used to hide the urine odor, you may smell ammonia or acetone. You may also smell solvent or paint thinner.
- You may notice chemical burns or staining usually a dark red or yellow color in the home’s bathrooms, kitchen, on the floors, walls or ceiling, or in the garage or yard shed.
- Smoke detectors that have been removed or taped off.
- While visiting the home, you experience burning of your eyes, nose or throat, a metallic taste or breathing problems, perhaps itching.
- Look at the condition of the concrete or grass areas for staining or odors.
- You may notice containers or left over products that have been left behind: window cleaners, anti freeze, cold medicines, heet, camp stove fuels, paint thinners, alcohol, Epsom salts, lithium batteries, matches, unusual amount of propane tanks or fire extinguishers with discolored valves, diet aids, coffee filters new or stained, tubing, glass containers, Drano, acetone products.
- The windows are covered to prevent anyone from looking in, the neighbors talk about heavy nighttime traffic or lots of trash left around or put out from the above-mentioned list.
- If the home had renters, did they pay in cash.
- Hire an industrial engineer to air test the home if you suspect the house is hazardous.
Contact the police and inquire about the history of calls made to the home or area.