METH LAB DECONTAMINATION

Most people know that homes can be contaminated through the manufacturing of meth, which releases toxic substances – including meth itself. The contaminants get onto surfaces and into drywall, curtains, furniture, and carpeting. Smoking meth can also contaminate a home, though to a lesser degree than manufacturing. Smoking meth involves inhalation of vapor. Any vapor not inhaled is released into the surrounding area.

The state has set a standard of 0.5 micrograms per 100 square centimeters as the threshold for clean-ups. Three of the samples taken during a February test at the house of Jason and Lauren Hardy came back with levels above the threshold. A study conducted by John Martyn and other researchers for the National Jewish Medical and Research Center concluded that an average smoke of about 100 milligrams of meth would create contamination levels of about 0.02 micrograms per 100 square centimeters.

However, levels rise if more smoking takes place, or more meth is used per smoke. The Utah health department says it is estimated that surface contamination from smoking results in a mean of 1.5 to 5.1 micrograms. In contrast, levels from a single cook can produce surface contamination of 860 micrograms per 100 square centimeters, researchers said. Martiny’s research found that meth deposited on a surface from cooking appears to degrade about 20 percent over a several-month period, so it can stay around awhile, depending on how much was manufactured. To speak with our team or to schedule, your estimate call us today at 719-225-8647.