Proven Expert Advice on Meth Labs to Help First Responders Stay Safe

A meth lab is more dangerous than any legal lab or chemical manufacturing plant.

AN EXPLOSION WAITING TO HAPPEN

Meth labs have been defined as an "explosion waiting to happen." In fact, 25%-30% of all labs exposed in the U.S. are detected as a result of fire or explosion. These pose a threat to all emergency personnel. The CDC released a report in 2000 about the number of first responders injured in meth-related lab accidents in states that report such incidents. In 112 accounted cases from 1996-99, 79 emergency providers were hurt: 55 law enforcement officers, 9 EMS personnel, 8 firefighters and 7 hospital workers. The police and EMS figures reflect that these groups do not commonly wear suitable PPE for these types of situations, whereas firefighters approach most situations with splash suits and respiratory gear in place.

Chemical contamination. The chemicals employed to cook meth and the poisonous compounds and by-products ensuing from its manufacture produce toxic fumes, vapours, and spills. Exposure to low levels of some meth ingredients may bring about headache, nausea, dizziness, and fatigue; exposure to high levels can bring on shortness of breath, coughing, chest pain, dizziness, lack of coordination, eye and tissue irritation, chemical burns (to the skin, eyes, mouth, and nose), and death. Corrosive substances can cause harm through inhalation or contact with the skin. Solvents can irritate the skin, mucous membranes, and respiratory tract and impact the central nervous system. Prolonged exposure to the chemicals commonly employed in meth production may cause cancer; damage the brain, liver, kidney, spleen, and immunologic system; and result in birth defects.

Among the most telltale characteristics of a meth lab is the repelling smell created during cooking. It is usually what discloses meth houses in populated areas. But labs may not be confined to urban areas; rurally there are old barns and homes that sit removed from the road with fewer neighbors, and a great deal of fresh air to thin out the odor. This means EMS providers, even in smaller towns and rural locations, want to be mindful of the characteristics of meth labs and how to address with them safely.

Once you realize you are in a drug lab, get out as quickly as possible. Watch out for trip wires or other hazards as you leave. Attempt to develop a quick impression of the area so you will be able to relay as much data as possible to new responders. Relocate your vehicles, gear and yourself to a safe area. In a case with victims down, some accident has already occurred, and if the lab has not exploded yet, it could be just a matter of time before it does.

Patricia Abney, is President and Founder of Rapid Response BioDecon, Inc., West Central Florida's Specialized death and trauma scene cleaning company. In addition to Biohazard Decontamination, Rapid Response offers Meth Lab Clean Up services to all Southeastern States including Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi and South Carolina. RAPID RESPONSE BIODECON is one of only three companies in the State of Florida that employ OSHA Certified Meth Lab Decontamination Specialists who are experts in handling site contamination caused by illegal drug production.

The company's website can be accessed at: http://www.rapidresponsebiodecon.com and they are ready to assist 24 hours a day 7 days a week. Technician's can also be reached at: 1-866-98DECON.

The corporation maintains an outstanding reputation sustained by honest, hard work and customer satisfaction.