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Date Submitted: 02/17/2014 07:49 AM
Environmental Effects of Meth Labs
Charles Heim
Introduction to Environmental Health & Safety (EH-2000)
Dr. Randy Shaw
Ohio University Southern Campus
07 April 2013
Abstract
The purpose of this paper is to examine the potential risk of, and the environmental effect of methamphetamine (meth or MA) laboratories. Also examined will be the effect these laboratories have on vegetation and wildlife. This paper will discuss some signs that might indicate meth production, as well as associated clean-up costs for areas that have been exposed to methamphetamine production.
Environmental Effects of Methamphetamine Laboratories
Crystal Methamphetamine is a commonly used narcotic in the United States. In 2005, the National Survey on Drug Use and Health reported that 10.4 million people over the age of 12 had tried crystal meth (James, 2013). Extremely addictive, the illegal drug causes rapid heart rate, increased blood pressure and damage to the small blood vessels in the brain. Over time, users can become violent, paranoid and delusional.
Crystal Methamphetamine, commonly referred to as "meth or MA," comes in the forms of odorless powders or crystals. Not only is the drug detrimental to people's health, but meth labs are environmental hazards. While the “illicit” production of meth is based with pseudoephedrine or ephedrine, which are found in over-the-counter medications, other ingredients may involve hazardous materials that are toxic, corrosive, flammable, or explosive. Such materials include anhydrous ammonia, sulfuric acid, hydrochloric acid, red phosphorous, lithium metal, sodium metal, iodine, and toluene (US Dept. of Justice, 2003). Upon discovery, the hazardous materials contained at clandestine drug laboratory locations are classified and managed as hazardous wastes.
For every pound of meth produced, five to six pounds of toxic waste are left behind (James, 2013). While the ingredients used to make meth can be toxic by...