You can experience symptoms from being exposed to an area where someone has smoked meth or there has been a major or temporary meth lab because meth can be made with just some simple everyday supplies using plastic bottles for instance.
Meth toxin contamination can occur very easily where someone has smoked meth, which is very common as there is an undisputed epidemic of meth use in the United States. Don’t forget that autos, sheds, and trailers can be places where meth has been smoked.
We were contacted by someone who found a meth pipe in a business hotel room and had not been able to sleep all night. She suspected that it was meth contamination. So it is important to monitor your health and know how to recognize the symptoms of meth exposure.
If you suspect that you have been in a methamphetamine lab or former lab, you will notice that there was a strong odor of common materials found in a garage. Also, you would have noticed excessive amounts of common chemicals; like acetone, drain cleaner, cold tablets with sudafed, battery acid, drain cleaner, freon etc. metals, chemical salts or excessive empty containers in the trash.
Other signs are discoloration on valves of propane tanks or fire extinguishers, yellow discoloration of walls, and fire detectors made inoperable.
If you suspect the use of a location as a lab; have testing done on the area; to do so contact the poison control center in your area. There are kits available for a cursory evaluation. And evaluate whether you have any symptoms of meth exposure.
The severity of health symptoms of exposure of a non active, or improperly decontaminated former lab, depends on one’s body mass, health condition, the length of exposure and the specific chemicals involved.
The symptoms are insomnia, irritability, hyperactivity, personality changes, anorexia/weight loss, poor concentration, anxiety, compulsive behavior.
The volatile organic chemicals (VOCS) can cause nose and throat irritation, dizziness, nausea, vomiting confusion, breathing problems and may cause cancer. If you suspect meth toxin exposure, have a urine drug test.
Short-term exposure may include dermal effects on the skin. Dermal exposure to acids or bases will cause a burning sensation. The area should be irrigated and the clothing should be laundered, use proper wound care if the skin is abraded.
Ocular exposure to the mucous membranes can cause severe damage. It can cause burning in the eyes Irrigate the eyes for 10-15 minutes, followed by an exam if there are visual changes or corneal abrasions suspected.
Inhalation: Exposure to the metal (especially mercury and lead) and salts may cause severe respiratory irritation, diminish mental function, and cause anemia, kidney damage and birth defects. It should be treated the same as respiratory symptoms: get urgent care which may include supplemental oxygen, chest x-ray, and bronchial care. If the symptoms persist for 3 hours despite medical care admission for pulmonary observation is advised.
Meth use is at epidemic proportions in the U.S. and the chance of being exposed to meth toxins is greater than you might think. So keep this article in mind if you experience any of the symptoms mentioned above.
We recommend testing homes and rentals prior to purchase or renting. We also recommend that property owners test short term rentals prior to renting because then the property owner has a baseline of no meth contamination to prove that tenants have used meth if they did. Then, the tenants and property management company can be held liable. Only some states have decontamination guidelines.
One of my missions is to help protect against meth contamination and provide education and resources to those who have been impacted.
Thanks for reading this article. I welcome your questions, comments or suggestions below.
Stay safe and have a great day!