METH LAB CLEANUP

Meth Lab Contamination and Cleanup

DO NOT attempt it yourself!

Often only obvious dangers can be seen with the naked eye. Unseen dangers from vapours, mould and bacteria can cause other major health problems.

The team at TACT Bio-recovery has conducted extensive onsite and independent laboratory testing on a range of remediation processes to find the most effective and economical way to treat methamphetamine contaminated properties.

There are two general approaches to decontamination; the selection of which will depend on the level of contamination.

Click the tabs below to find out more about each method:

Triple Wash - Triple Rinse

For sites where lower levels of methamphetamine are detected, we generally apply a triple wash, triple rinse procedure.

While the chemicals used are quite inexpensive, the application process is often time and labour intensive. It can take days or even weeks to treat an entire house, and may warrant the removal of the internal wall linings (plasterboard).

Chemical Neautralisation

For most contaminated sites, we strongly recommend a chemical methamphetamine neutralisation process.

This involves the application of a methamphetamine neutralising agent throughout the entire area to achieve the desired results. The neutralising agent is totally biodegradable leaving only oxygen and water as a by-product.

This process has shown great results in properties that have returned higher contamination readings on the first swab analysis report, without the removal of internal wall linings.

The methamphetamine neutralising agent is quite inexpensive when compared against the labour costs associated with the triple wash process and rebuilding after removal of plasterboard.

A full application of an average 15-20sqr home with the methamphetamine neutralising agent can normally be achieved in under 8 hours. Final validation swab testing can be conducted after 24 hours.

For more information, or if you have a property in need of methamphetamine decontamination, please contact us immediately.

Find out more about Meth Lab Contamination and Cleanup

What is Methamphetamine?

Methamphetamine (also known as meth, speed, crank, P, crystal and ice) is a very powerful man-made drug that affects the central nervous system. It is made in clandestine laboratories in houses, garages, hotel rooms, vehicles, and other locations.

When a laboratory is busted and shut down by the police, equipment and chemicals are removed by law enforcement, but the property may remain contaminated with methamphetamine and hazardous chemical residues.

What chemicals are used to make meth?

Meth can be made using many different chemical “recipes,” but all require over-the-counter medications that contain pseudo-ephedrine or ephedrine. Most processes include the use of volatile organic chemicals, acids, bases, metals and chemical salts. Many steps are involved in making meth, and other harmful chemicals can be formed during the process. As a result, hundreds of different chemicals can contribute to the contamination of a property.

What are the risks of exposure to the chemicals used in meth labs?

SAFETY FIRST – If you suspect the presence of methamphetamine, you should contact us to complete a thorough analysis of the property. Exposure to meth residues may cause symptoms similar to those experienced by meth users themselves.

The potential health effects depend on:

  • the specific chemicals to which a person is exposed,
  • how much of each chemical to which a person is exposed,
  • how long a person is exposed, and
  • the health condition of the person being exposed.

Exposure to volatile organic chemicals (VOC) may cause symptoms such as nose and throat irritation, headaches, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, confusion and breathing difficulties. Some VOCs may cause cancer.

Acids or bases will cause a burning sensation on the skin and in mucous membranes, and can cause severe eye damage. Exposure to metals and salts can cause a wide range of health effects including respiratory irritation, decreased mental function, anemia, kidney damage and birth defects. Metals such as lead and mercury are particularly hazardous.

Who is responsible for the cleanup?

The owner of the property is ultimately responsible for the clean-up. The owner also may be legally responsible if persons get sick after they enter a contaminated building.

What cleanup levels are considered safe?

Until recent times, no cleanup levels existed for residue levels associated with a former meth lab. In 2011 the Clandestine Drug Laboratory Remediation Guidelines were released setting a benchmark level of 0.5um per 100cm2 as a safe level for human habitation.

This level can only be detected by preforming swab tests and having them analysed by a laboratory that is set up to test for methamphetamine.

We can perform on site testing for the presence of methamphetamine residue. At the time of writing, there is  no on-site test available to tell you the level of contamination.

Can I buy the chemical neutralisation agent and do this myself?

We are happy to supply the chemical to any trained remediation specialists. We offer individual site assessments all over Australia and can assist you with the product, application protocol, equipment and support – saving you thousands of dollars compared to the triple wash process.

Application Equipment: We have specialty dual tank ULV Fogging units for hire at reasonable rates to apply our neutralising agent.

These ULV Fogging units can also be purchased outright for $1195 including GST. For Hire pricing or purchase of the neutralising agent and ULV Foggers please contact us for more information.

The importance of using a professional

Methamphetamine is growing in popularity despite its many health and safety risks. One of the problems with meth is that the people who manufacture it do so using various equipment and chemicals that can be dangerous not only to them, but to anyone nearby, even after all the equipment has been removed. If you have encountered a meth lab on your property or you believe one may have been present in the past in your home or business, the first thing to understand is that it must be cleaned up by trained technicians. It is not enough to clean this area normally; to do so is to endanger yourself and others.

The dangers of cleaning a Meth Lab

Meth lab remediation requires more than a spray cleaner and mop. Meth labs contain special equipment and toxic chemicals used for cooking meth. A wide range of ingredients is used, including acids, solvents, ammonia, and paint thinners. These chemicals and the equipment that has come into contact with them are dangerous. Side effects of exposure to these types of chemicals can include skin or eye irritation, nausea, dizziness, headaches, and respiratory issues. Worse, if the equipment isn’t handled professionally and correctly, there is the possible threat of explosion. Trying to clean a meth lab without the proper training puts you at serious risk. That’s why TACT Bio-Recovery are professionals  equipped and trained to handle meth lab cleaning.

Tact Bio-Recovery are your clandestine drug lab decontamination professionals

Although it may seem like cleaning up after a meth lab is a good idea, meth lab remediation is more complicated than it appears. Throwing out the equipment and performing a regular cleaning of the area is not sufficient because the chemicals involved can linger on surfaces and in the air for a long time. The trained technicians at Tact Bio-Recovery have the skills and knowledge to perform professional meth lab decontamination. These trained workers do more than merely remove equipment; they must also decontaminate the entire space including the HVAC system, any vehicles involved, and so on.

Tact Bio-Recovery also understands the importance of discretion. Especially in real estate or other sensitive applications, clients may not want anyone else to know that they are hiring contractors for meth lab remediation. Potential buyers or even friends and family may be turned off by knowing that there was a meth lab on the premises. However, once professionally cleaned, the area is safe and healthy again for the people who visit or move in. That’s why at Tact Bio-Recovery, we offer clandestine drug lab cleanup and make it our priority to provide our clients with the discretion they need. Tact Bio-Recovery offers meth lab cleaning throughout Australia as well as other special cleaning services such as forensic cleaning, suicide cleanup, and hoarder and squalor cleanup. Contact the industry leaders for your meth lab cleanup – contact TACT Bio-Recovery and trust that the job is done right.

Contact Us:

24 Hour Emergency Service
03 9970 9777
We ensure all onsite visits are done so with discretion and with your privacy in mind. All works are undertaken in an unmarked vehicle and non-branded clothing.