| In February of 2009, an article published in the Dallas | | | | become contaminated. Heavy meth use by previous |
| Morning News told the story of a north Texas family | | | | residents can also leave behind traces of the toxic |
| that became unwitting victims of the illegal drug | | | | substance, exposing future inhabitants to health risks |
| trade. The Rodgriquez family purchased a home in | | | | from exposure. |
| Grapevine that had previously been in foreclosure and | | | | Although laws in many states require sellers or their |
| promptly moved in with their three children. But it | | | | agents to disclose any known use or manufacture of |
| soon became apparent that something was wrong. | | | | meth within a home, the activity often goes |
| As the article states, soon after they moved into | | | | unreported. When the presence of meth is |
| their new home, the family's dog began experiencing | | | | suspected, or a homeowner is concerned about the |
| seizures and ultimately had to be euthanized. | | | | activities of a home's previous occupants (as in a |
| Subsequent tests of the home revealed that several | | | | foreclosure scenario), the home may be tested for |
| rooms and the attic were contaminated with traces | | | | the presence of meth-related toxins. |
| of methamphetamine. | | | | If chemical residue related to the manufacture or use |
| Methamphetamine contamination is more common | | | | of methamphetamine is detected, extensive and |
| than you might think; and the problem is not limited | | | | specialized clean-up is necessary. It is recommended |
| to houses. Vehicles, hotel rooms, apartments and | | | | that the property be thoroughly aired out-for several |
| storage units are frequently used to manufacture | | | | days at a time-and cleaned by a company specializing |
| methamphetamine, creating health hazards for | | | | in hazardous materials removal. Ventilation systems |
| unsuspecting future inhabitants. | | | | should be cleaned and all filters replaced. If visible |
| Although meth is made from legally available, | | | | staining or odors are present in carpets, drapes and |
| relatively common household substances, the | | | | other soft surfaces, replacement may be necessary. |
| manufacturing or "cooking" process releases highly | | | | If not, all soft surfaces should be cleaned thoroughly |
| toxic fumes and residues. Acute exposure to these | | | | to remove any dusts, powders and vapors from the |
| contaminants, such as police officers encounter when | | | | materials used in meth manufacture. In most cases, |
| they first enter a meth lab, can result in burns to the | | | | walls and ceilings will need to be cleaned, and a new |
| skin and severe lung damage. Longer term exposure | | | | coat of paint applied to create a barrier between any |
| to even small amounts of these contaminants can | | | | residual contaminant and the air inside the home. |
| cause breathing problems, eye irritation, skin irritation, | | | | Because it is certainly better to be safe than sorry |
| nausea, dizziness and headaches. | | | | when it comes to potential health hazards in the |
| Once a meth lab has been dismantled, many of these | | | | home, re-testing for meth-related residues is |
| contaminants remain-on walls, in carpets and in | | | | recommended after a thorough cleaning has been |
| ventilation systems. And meth doesn't have to have | | | | completed. |
| been manufactured in a home for the home to | | | | |