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Methamphetamine Contamination Creates Exposure Concerns for Neighboring Units at Colorado Apartment Complex

Methamphetamine Testing Laboratory

Category	Press Release
Publish Date	6/29/2018
Author	Paul Cochrane
Title	Methamphetamine Contamination Creates Exposure Concerns for Neighboring Units at Colorado Apartment Complex
Introduction	EMSL Analytical, Inc. provides testing services, sampling supplies and easy-to-use test kits to identify chemical residues left in all types of buildings.
Denver, CO, June 29^th, 2018 The Times-Call recently published a story about the closure of an apartment unit and testing for methamphetamine residues of adjacent units in a Denver suburb. According to the article, several years before, multiple units at the same complex were condemned for remediation due to meth contamination. In this case, an HVAC system that is shared between the closed unit and those above and below it was being tested for chemical contamination. Not only is meth an illegal drug that can destroy lives, the chemicals used in its production can also contaminate buildings by leaving hazardous chemical residues in the homes and businesses where it is produced. Chemicals commonly used in the production of methamphetamine include flammable and volatile solvents such as methanol, ether, benzene, methylene chloride and trichloroethane. Other chemicals may include muriatic acid, sodium hydroxide and ammonia. Many of these same toxic chemicals can easily contaminate carpeting, wallboard, ceiling tiles, furniture and fabrics that absorb spilled or vaporized chemicals. “A number of these hazardous chemicals can remain an indoor exposure concern long after a structure was used for meth,” said Joe Frasca, Senior Vice President of Marketing at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “People, and especially children, living in homes once used for meth production can easily be exposed to these dangers left behind. Fortunately, in Colorado, there are statutes and regulations for the cleanup of affected properties and disclosure for property buyers.” To identify meth residues on surfaces, EMSL Analytical, Inc. has developed an easy-to-use Methamphetamine Test Kit. The kit provides a quick and simple method to collect a sample that is then sent off to the laboratory. EMSL has even produced an online instructional video that describes common meth sampling techniques that can be viewed at: https://youtu.be/WYEWoeOEc-k. To learn more about methamphetamine testing or other environmental, health and safety services, please visit www.EMSL.com, email info@EMSL.com or call (800) 220-3675. To obtain a Methamphetamine Test Kit to sample for surface residues or to learn more, please visit www.EMSLTestKits.com. About EMSL Analytical, Inc. EMSL Analytical, Inc. is one of the leading testing laboratories with 44 locations throughout the United States and Canada. EMSL is a nationally recognized and locally focused provider specializing in fast laboratory results for mold, bacteria, Legionella, USP <797>, pathogens, asbestos, lead, soot, char & ash from fires, VOC’s, odors, radon, formaldehyde, indoor air quality, microbiology, environmental, industrial hygiene, radiological, food, beverage & consumer products and material testing services for the identification of unknown substances. EMSL services both professionals and the general public. EMSL maintains an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies including, but not limited to A2LA, AIHA LAP, LLC. (AIHA EMLAP, AIHA IHLAP, AIHA ELLAP), NVLAP, CDC ELITE, CPSC, CA ELAP, NY ELAP, TX DOH, NJDEP and multiple other state accrediting agencies. Please visit our website at www.EMSL.com for a complete listing of accreditations. In addition, EMSL carries a wide range of Sampling Equipment and Investigative Products for environmental professionals.