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.