Press Releases at EMSL

Last month, Fox News published a report about a third grade teacher in North Carolina that was charged with operating a methamphetamine (meth) laboratory in her home.  Armed with a search warrant, authorities raided the home the teacher shares with her spouse and young child. Experts in the handling of hazardous chemicals used in the production of meth were then brought to the home to secure the scene.

While news of a clandestine drug laboratory being found in a home is not new, this story brings to light that even the home of a respected teacher could be filled with hazardous chemicals and residues.  A person looking to purchase this home in the future would likely never have any idea what it was used for in the past had the arrest not occurred.

Countless homes have been used for the illegal production of meth in all 50 states.  Many are never discovered, which means that unsuspecting buyers or people leasing properties could unwittingly expose their families to a wide range of toxic substances and residues.

“Properties used to produce meth often have residues from a mixture of hazardous chemicals that are left on surfaces throughout a home,” said Joe Frasca, Senior Vice President of Marketing at EMSL Analytical, Inc.  “These may emit chemicals into the air or be a hazard when touched.  Chemicals may include flammable and volatile solvents such as methanol, ether, benzene, methylene chloride and trichloroethane.  Muriatic acid, sodium hydroxide and ammonia may also be present.  These chemicals can contaminate carpeting, wallboard, ceiling tiles, furniture, and fabrics that absorb spilled or vaporized chemicals.”

To help identify properties that could have hazardous residues, EMSL Analytical, Inc. offers the Meth Test Kit that can be obtained at www.EMSLTestKits.com.

EMSL has also produced an instructional video that describes meth sampling techniques for the general public and environmental professionals that can be viewed at: https://youtu.be/ADQbHagMJ10.

To learn more about methamphetamine residue testing or other environmental, health and safety services, please visit www.EMSL.com, email info@EMSL.com or call (800) 220-3675.

About EMSL Analytical, Inc.

EMSL Analytical is a nationally recognized and locally focused provider of environmental, indoor air quality, consumer product and materials testing services and products for professionals and the general public.  The company has an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies.