Meth Lab Explosion Clean Up Steps

meth-lab-explosion

Many home owners have had rental properties, only to find there tenants have been running illegal meth labs that have caused explosions. There is no doubt Meth Lab production is a dangerous business. New Life Restorations have been sent out to clean and restore homes that have been been fire damaged due to meth lab explosions.

In some cases meth lab clean ups may or may not be covered by your insurance policy.

The Clean Up Process

The process we follow is similar to a normal meth lab clean up and involves the following steps:

  1. Site assessment, sampling and scope (retrieve police reports)
  2. Decontamination of property while adhering to Clandestine Drug laboratory Remediation Guidelines
  3. Disposal of hazardous waste
  4. Clearance sampling and test to confirm we have done our job properly.

Cleaning the Fire Damage

We will also work in conjunction with the IICRC Fire Restoration Training we have accreditation in. The steps involved are:

  1. Remove non recoverable structural components
  2. Remove floor coverings after ceiling is removed
  3. Recoverable wall framing must be treated for odour and decontaminated if affected by Meth
  4. The HVAC or air conditioning must be examined and decontaminated
  5. Ozone Deodorization or thermal fogging
  6. Seal affected timber framing
  7. Clean affected walls, floors and ceilings
  8. Home contents are examined to see if recoverable and non recoverable
  9. Clearance test

All the above tests are completed with necessary personal protective equipment to protect against meth and fire damage contamination.

After the property has been clearance tested. The reconstruction could possibly begin.

Finding a Reliable Meth Lab Remediator with Fire Damage Experience

New Life Restorations are qualified in fire and smoke restoration and have a qualified microbiologist on staff to deal with meth contamination in accordance with the Clandestine Drug laboratory Remediation Guidelines. Please call or email us today if you have any questions or would like a free quote.

List of Meth Lab Explosions in the Media in Australia

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What does a Former Meth Lab Smell Like?

smells-meth-labThe chemicals associated with meth production can leave lingering smells behind in affected properties. In fact the smell of meth has been compared to the smell or urine or rotten eggs (1).

Generally the the chemicals used in in producing meth can be put in the following categories:

  • Salts and Metals
  • Solvents
  • Acids and basis

If you smell any of the following chemicals together it may indicate a former meth lab (2):

  • Acetic Acid
  • Acetic Anhydride
  • Ammonia
  • Benzyl Chloride
  • Hydroiodic Acid
  • Methylamine
  • Perchloric Acid
  • Phosphine
  • Sodium Hydroxide
  • Thionyl Chloride
  • Acetone
  • Benzene
  • Benzyl Chloride
  • Chloroform
  • Ethanol
  • Freon
  • Hexane
  • Isopropano
  • Methanol
  • Petroleum Ether
  • Pyridine
  • Aluminum
  • Lead Acetate
  • Aluminum
  • Magnesium
  • Mercuric Chloride
  • Potassium Metal
  • Kerosene
  • Sodium Acetate
  • Sodium Hydroxide
  • Sodium Metal

Signs Other than Smell that may indicate a former meth lab (2)

  • Covered Windows
  • Unusual Ventilation set ups
  • Higher than usual security
  • Dead Plants and grass
  • Excessive or unusual rubbish onsite (Packaging from cold and flu tablets, coffee filters, soft drink bottles with a whole on the top and hoses running out of it

What to do

It is important to inform the authorities and use a qualitfied remediator such as New Life Restorations to restore the property in accordance with the Clandestine Drug laboratory Remediation Guidelines.

References

  1. https://illinoisattorneygeneral.gov/methnet/recognizingmeth/outside.html
  2. https://public.health.oregon.gov/HealthyEnvironments/EnvironmentalExposures/HazardousSites/ClandestineDrugLabs/Pages/chemicals.aspx
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How to Clean Up a Former Meth Lab

There is no question meth labs are highly dangerous. Many of the meth labs that have been set up in the past can leave behind many residues which can be highly hazardous to your health.

In this post, we will examine how to find out whether there has been a meth lab at your property and what can be done about it.

Serious Health Effects

Before we look into meth labs it is important to note the serious health effects if the meth lab contamination is not removed. Some of the health effects include:

  • Shortness of Breath
  • Burns to Eyes, nose and mouth
  • Dizziness, headache or fatigue meth-lab-cleanup
  • Liver, kidney damage or even death

Therefore, it is important a qualified person is used to remediate the property.

How to Remove the Meth Contamination

After the necessary authorities has provided a report on the contaminated property it is necessary to remediate the property in accordance with the “Clandestine Drug Laboratory Remediation Guidelines.”

There are several meth lab remediation companies in Australia who offer complete remediation of a property in accordance with the above guidelines. When engaging these companies, it is important for a clearance test to completed by an independent third party to ensure the remediation was done properly.

Foaming Meth Lab Cleaning

Meth Lab Clean Up Using New Technologies designed to save money and time.

The guidelines explain how to clean the property which use detergent and water. There are also companies using patented  meth lab decontaminant chemicals to some success.

Meth Lab Remediation Costs

The estimated cost of cleanup car range from $5 000 – $150 000 according to the The Institute for Intergovernmental Research.

There are several factors which can influence to cost for cleaning up the Meth Lab including:

  • Amount of Sampling
  • How large the lab is
  • Whether there is contaminated plumbing or soil contamination
  • Clearance testing
  • Types of building materials and surfaces affected.
  • Problems with Access
  • Asbestos

Conclusion 

As mentioned previously, it is important to use a qualified person following the Clandestine Drug Laboratory Remediation Guidelines to remediate the property. With the high risk of the medical problems, it is important to ensure it done properly. If you would like a free estimate in the QLD area, please call us on 1300 356 633.

Other Information

There is an American guideline which could also be handy in referencing some information “Voluntary Guidelines for Methamphetamine Laboratory Cleanup

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