Methamphetamine is a dangerous drug manufactured in labs from synthetic ingredients like amphetamines combined with horrific substances and chemicals like drain cleaner, antifreeze, and battery acid.

Producing just one pound of meth can create five pounds of toxic waste, potentially affecting anyone residing on a property where it’s being cooked or smoked. But what are the health risks involved in accidental meth exposure? Learn more below.

 

Who’s At Risk?

Exposure to meth residue can make anyone ill, but studies have shown that some people are more at risk than others. Babies, children, the elderly, and those with compromised immunity are at a higher risk for complications than healthy adults.

However, healthy adults can still be at risk. One study found that police officers responding to active meth labs were up to 15 times more likely to experience illnesses than officers who didn’t.

Reports by the CDC strengthen the idea that children can be more at risk based on a case written about a family of five in rural Victoria, Australia. According to the report, a family developed health effects after living in a home that had previously been a clandestine meth laboratory with confirmed environmental contamination.

While all family members experienced health effects, the youngest child had the highest meth levels in their hair, likely related to less frequent handwashing and repeated surface contact during play.

 

What Are the Common Symptoms of Meth Exposure

Whether you intended to expose yourself to meth or not, there can be many uncomfortable symptoms and health effects associated with meth residue exposure. Some of these symptoms can mimic a cold or influenza, while others are more noticeable as meth-related exposure symptoms.

 

• Eyes that are watery, red, painful, burning, or show discharge

• Nose and throat mucus membrane irritation

• Skin redness, rashes, and irritation

• Sneezing, coughing, and congestion

• Difficulty breathing

• Chest pain

• Moderate or severe headaches

• Central nervous system problems

• Dark urine

• Yellow jaundice

• Rapid heart rate

• Fever

• Mental capability impairment

• Hallucinations

 

Studies also show that children can be at risk of even more symptoms associated with living in a property severely affected by meth residue and its chemicals. Exposure to toxic precursor chemicals might cause:

 

• Poisoning

• Burns

• Lung irritation

• Kidney, liver, heart, brain, and immune system damage

• Lymphoma and leukemia cancers

• Bone marrow suppression, causing anemia and increased infection risk

• Developmental and growth problems

 

What Are the Long-Term Effects of Meth Residue Exposure?

As brilliant as scientists are, they don’t know everything. At this point, they don’t know the long-term effects of exposure to meth residue. However, what we do know is that environmental hazards, such as toxic chemicals, can have long-term health effects.

For example, corrosive chemicals like ammonia can cause visible destruction and irreversible alteration of living tissue. Carcinogens like benzene can result in cancer in living tissue, and mutagens like sodium azide can result in genetic mutations. There’s no telling what the toxic chemicals present in meth might do to the human body in the years to come.

 

What to Do If You’ve Accidentally Been Exposed to

Being exposed to any toxic chemicals can be cause for concern, so you might be wondering what you’re supposed to do if you’ve entered a property where meth has been smoked or cooked.

If you’re experiencing any symptoms or are genuinely concerned for your health and well-being, make an appointment with your doctor. They might be able to provide helpful advice about managing symptoms and possibly recommend medication.

The next step can involve testing and remedying the problem, which we can provide helpful information on below.

 

How to Test for Meth in NZ

If your accidental meth exposure event came from a property you have just moved into or are living in, now is the right time to consider meth testing for peace of mind. Contact a testing and meth cleaning company to perform a test on your behalf and determine just how severe the problem is.

With the information they learn, they can provide helpful solutions that prioritise the health and well-being of you and your loved ones.

 

How to Clean Meth Out of a Property

As meth can be incredibly dangerous, cleaning a contaminated property is generally not considered safe. Meth cleaning companies can provide a range of cleaning services based on whether your home has a small or large amount of contamination.

Low-level contamination of up to 1.5 micrograms per 100cm2 can require a triple-clean process with appropriate cleaning products and equipment to return your property to a safe and habitable state.

However, cleaning a home with high levels of contamination can require a much more invasive approach. Meth cleaning companies like Chemcare can undertake a site visit and use specialised cleaning solutions and equipment, but they might also recommend removing porous building materials.

Toxic chemicals from meth can leach into porous and soft materials like carpet, underlay, curtains, insulated ductwork, exposed insulation, and acoustic ceiling tiles. In many situations, removal can be the only effective way to make your home safe for your family once more.