Meth-Contaminated Houses - Identifying, Cleaning Up, & Possible Liability
Methamphetamine is not only a criminal issue, it is a potential liability issue for inspectors, contractors, real estate professionals and others involved in real estate transactions. Meth labs are easy to set up and therefore can be found in any type of neighborhood. "Making or even smoking meth leaves behind a stew of chemicals that saturates walls, ceilings, floors and carpets with meth as well as mercury, lead, iodine, lithium and poisonous solvents. For each pound of drug, meth “cookers” dump, flush or leave behind 5 to 6 pounds of poisonous waste. Exposure to even small amounts of these poisons can damage humans’ nervous systems, liver and blood production mechanisms. Small children suffer most. Exposure can trigger birth defects and developmental problems in babies in the womb." http://realestate.msn.com/article.aspx?cp-documentid=23154768
The first issue, of course, is identifying a potentially meth-contaminated house. The DEA maintains a database of meth labs at this link: http://www.justice.gov/dea/seizures/ There are over 700 addresses listed in North Carolina, and about 300 listed in SC. (But only one in Richland County, which seems odd.)
A checklist of common signs of meth manufacturing can be found here, and includes:
The first issue, of course, is identifying a potentially meth-contaminated house. The DEA maintains a database of meth labs at this link: http://www.justice.gov/dea/seizures/ There are over 700 addresses listed in North Carolina, and about 300 listed in SC. (But only one in Richland County, which seems odd.)
A checklist of common signs of meth manufacturing can be found here, and includes:
- Unusual, strong odors (similar to cat urine, ether, ammonia, acetone or other chemicals)
- Windows blacked out
- Dark red phosphorous stains in the sinks, toilets and/or bathtubs, or red staining on the interior walls, counter tops and flooring
- Signs of chemical burns and spills on the counter tops and flooring
- Visible areas in the yard where chemicals have been dumped
- Dead or dying vegetation
- Burn pits outside with chemical container remains
- Packaging or containers from cold medicines
- Coffee filters unused and used with red stains in them
Other lists of warning signs can be found here and tips on investigating the history of a house can be found here.
Tips for decontaminating a meth house can be found in the ASHRI article linked here.
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