Do not enter a site that you think may be used for cooking meth. Labs present extreme dangers from explosions and exposure to hazardous chemicals. Breathing the fumes, and handling substances, can cause injury and even death. Drug labs are considered hazardous waste sites and should only be entered by trained and equipped professionals. Never handle materials you suspect were used for making meth, such as contaminated glassware and needles.
Skin contact can result in burns or poisoning.
Handling items can also cause some of the chemicals to explode on contact with water or air. Consider that when professionals respond to a drug lab, they do not enter the building until they have put on chemically resistant suits and boots, special gloves and respirators. How to Recognize a Meth Lab Meth labs may be set up at campgrounds, rest areas, rental homes, motel rooms, abandoned cars, garages, storage sheds, barns, and vacant buildings. A typical meth lab is a collection of chemical bottles, hoses and pressurized cylinders. The cylinders can take many forms, from modified propane tanks to fire extinguishers, scuba tanks and soda dispensers.