From Contamination to Clean: Navigating Meth Lab Cleanups
Decontaminating a house that has become contaminated through smoking meth inside is typically a straightforward process. Contamination levels in a house where it has been smoked are typically far lower than in a home where it has been manufactured. Testing and deep cleaning can be left in the capable hands of trained meth decontamination service providers.
However, the process undoubtedly becomes more complicated when a house has been used as a lab. Contamination levels can be higher, and homes can be entirely unsafe to enter, let alone live in.
As overwhelming as navigating meth lab cleanups can be, the process normally involves:
Contamination-Level Assessments
A contamination-level assessment involves three phases to determine the presence of meth contamination, the extent of it, and what a decontamination process and waste disposal plan would look like, if needed.
The first phase is essentially a screening step. If you know a property once housed a meth lab, this step can be skipped. It’s typically only required if the presence of meth isn’t known.
The second phase of a contamination-level assessment involves establishing the level of contamination and whether decontamination is required. Finally, you can move on to step three to determine the work needed.
Sample Collecting
When the presence of meth isn’t confirmed, such as through a police report, sample collecting can be required during the screening phase. These are typically collected from areas that would normally have high meth levels, such as:
Heating and cooling system intake points
Exhaust fan intake points
Stained surfaces or materials
Power points and fuse boxes
Stained, varnished, or polyurethaned timber
High airflow areas
Samples are recorded with information like written details, photos, video recordings, and floorplans. They are then sent to an NSS ISO/IEC 17025-accredited lab for testing.
Plans for Hazards and Contaminants
Meth is a dangerous substance. There have been several examples of police officers in the United States experiencing chronic illnesses after being exposed to meth. They experienced symptoms like:
Fatigue
Insomnia
Back pain
Joint pain
Headaches
Heartburn
Sinusitis
Congestion
Throat discomfort
Limb numbness
Skin irritation
Anxiety
Depression
Personality changes
Poor concentration
As a result, having a plan for hazards and contaminants while cleaning a former meth lab can be crucial. Anyone entering a contaminated property should wear PPE equipment to reduce the risk of exposure. Appropriate PPE includes eye protection, respiratory protection, protective clothing, and gloves.
Starting the Decontamination Process
When the extent of contamination is realised through testing and screening, the decontamination process can begin. This process typically involves (but isn’t limited to):
Ventilating All Areas
During decontamination, the house will be ventilated by opening doors and windows and using fans and blowers. Negative air machines with HEPA filters may also be used.
Decontaminating House Contents
It’s crucial to avoid recontaminating areas and items that have already been cleaned. As a result, trained meth cleaning service providers will always:
Bag and wrap items that have been cleaned on-site
Test items to ensure they’re decontaminated before putting them back in the home
Not return items to a property until it has received a clearance certificate
Removing or Disposing of House Contents
Not everything in a meth-contaminated home can be salvaged. In most cases, the following materials must be removed and disposed of at an approved facility:
Damaged, odorous, and stained items, and anything likely used in meth production
Absorbent materials like carpet, wallpaper, plasterboard, couches, and curtains
High-contact items like children’s toys and food preparation surfaces
Insulation (in some situations)
Checking Heat Pumps and Ventilation Systems
Components of heat pumps and ventilation systems can’t always be salvaged or decontaminated. Lining material like fibreglass and flexible ducting is often discarded.
Vacuuming with HEPA Filter Vacuums
Once contaminated materials have been removed, vacuum cleaners with HEPA filters are used to vacuum surfaces to remove contaminants, dust, and cobwebs.
Cleaning Interior Surfaces
When decontamination is preferred over removal, all interior surfaces can be thoroughly cleaned with special cleaning products. These cleaning products must be adequate for removing meth, safe to use, and not contain strong oxidising agents or ammonia. All water from cleaning must be collected for off-site disposal.
Flushing Plumbing Traps
If plumbing fixtures have clear contamination signs or any etching or staining, they should be disposed of. Stainless steel and porcelain fixtures without damage, marks, or any abrasions or pitting can be cleaned. Flushing can be required when there is a strong chemical odour coming from the plumbing system.
Leave Meth Decontamination to the Experts
Meth decontamination is complex and time-consuming. It’s certainly not for the faint of heart. Whether your home has been contaminated with meth or you’re considering purchasing one that is, contact meth cleaning experts in NZ for help. Chemcare can provide a thorough decontamination service for landlords, home buyers, home sellers, and anyone facing the daunting task of making a house habitable post-contamination.