Preferably, a certified industrial hygienist should be consulted before any sampling is done. Many chemicals that are used in meth labs are also common in most homes. Common meth-related chemicals that are not often found in homes in large amounts include solvents, anhydrous ammonia, red phosphorous, iodine, and reactive metals. Since illegal drug labs are an emerging problem, there is currently no official guidance or regulations on how to clean up former meth labs in homes. DPH is working to find an answer that will protect the public and be practical for property owners.
Situations are different in each meth lab.
Sometimes only scrubbing and painting is necessary to restore a former meth lab to a safe living environment. Sometimes contamination is so broad and extensive that the inside of the home needs complete renovation. Responses across the country to the cleanup of these properties have ranged from doing nothing to complete demolition. DPH believes the safest way to clean up a former meth lab is to hire environmental companies trained in hazardous substance removal and clean up. Owners who clean properties on their own should be aware that household building materials and furniture could absorb contaminants and give off fumes.