JACKSON COUNTY DRUG TASK FORCE

CLEANING UP FORMER METH LABS

There is currently no official guidance or regulations on how to clean up a former meth lab property for reoccupation. The Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) is working to find an answer that will protect the public and be practical for property owners. Responses across the country to the cleanup of these properties have ranged from doing nothing to complete demolition. Until a cleanup standard is determined, DHSS advises owners to do their best to thoroughly clean up these properties.

DHSS believes the safest way to clean up a former meth lab is to hire environmental companies trained in hazardous substance removal and cleanup. Owners who clean their own properties should be aware that household building materials and furniture can 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.

Some general guidelines include:

  • Air out the property

After a lab is seized by law enforcement officials, professionals trained to handle hazardous materials are generally called in to remove lab waste and any bulk chemicals. During this removal, every effort is made to air out the property for the safety of the removal crew. For security reasons, the property is usually closed upon their departure. However, this short-term airing-out may not be sufficient to clear out all the contaminants from the air inside the home. Be sure the property has been aired out for several days before cleaning. After the initial airing out, good ventilation should be continued throughout the property's cleanup.

To promote the volatilization (dissolving into the air) of some types of chemicals, windows and doors may be closed and the temperature inside the home increased to approximately 90 degrees Fahrenheit for a few days. After cleaning and heating is complete, the property should be aired out for three to five days to allow for any volatiles to disperse from the house. Open all the building's windows and set up exhaust fans to circulate 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 cleaning and final three to five days of airing-out, the property should be checked for re-staining and odors, which would indicate that the initial cleaning was not successful, and further, more extensive steps should be taken.

• 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. Items that are visibly contaminated should be removed from the property and may 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 or fire department. It is possible that some items may have been left behind after a seizure. If the property has been searched by a hazardous materials cleanup team, the items have most likely been identified and are not dangerous. However, some properties may not have been searched or some items may have been overlooked in the debris or confusion.

Absorbent materials, such as carpeting, drapes, clothing, etc. can accumulate 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.  

• Surfaces

Surfaces, such as walls, counters, floors, ceilings, etc. are porous and can 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 contact, food preparation, etc.

If a surface has visible contamination or staining, 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 feasible, intensive cleaning, 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.

Normal household cleaning methods and products will remove any remaining contamination. Don't forget to wear gloves, protective clothing, such as long sleeves, and eye protection. Again, ventilation of the property should be continued throughout the cleaning process.

• Ventilation system

Ventilation systems (heating, air conditioning) 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, clean the surfaces near system inlets and outlets, and clean the system's ductwork.

• Plumbing

While some of the waste products generated during meth manufacture may be thrown along the sides of roads or in yards, 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, contact a plumbing contractor for professional assistance. If you suspect the septic tank or yard may be contaminated, contact the local health department.

• 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?

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 evaluated and tested. Also, if you are concerned with liability issues, you should consider having the property tested. Sampling is an expensive option, but may provide peace of mind for property owners and families. You may want to contact your insurance carrier for advice and assistance.

No clean-up levels exist for many chemicals associated with meth labs. A risk assessment may be necessary to evaluate the potential for exposure on a case-by-case basis. A worst-case exposure scenario would be that of an infant or toddler wearing as little as a diaper being exposed to chemicals by breathing, touching and hand-to-mouth activity.

Until the former meth lab is cleaned up, no one should enter the area without appropriate personal protective equipment. In addition, no one should rent, purchase or occupy a former meth lab property unless cleanup has occurred.

Remember these steps to cleaning a former meth property:

1. Determine if the property was used for meth production.
2. Air out the property before and during cleanup.
3. Remove all unnecessary items and dispose of them.
4. Remove visibly contaminated items or items that have an odor.
5. Clean all surfaces using household cleaning methods and proper personal protection.
6. Clean the ventilation system.
7. Leave plumbing cleaning up to the experts.
8. Air out the property for three to five days.
9. If odor or staining remains, have your home evaluated by a professional

If, after reading this information, you have questions, please call th Missouri Department of Heath and Senior Services at 573-751-6102 or1-866-628-9891.