Industrial Hygiene Testing Laboratory

Plymouth, MI,  May 30^th , 2019

Earlier this spring, MLive published a story about an explosion at a suspected methamphetamine (meth) drug lab in a multistory condominium complex in Grand Rapids, Michigan. According to their report, the explosion caused burns to the suspect and extensive water damage to other units when the sprinkler system was triggered.

Following this event, neighbors not only had to deal with water damage and the potential for mold growth, but there could also be concerns associated with exposure to chemicals from the clandestine drug laboratory itself.

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 chemicals can remain a hazard long after the property was used to produce meth. People, especially children, living in homes once used as clandestine methamphetamine laboratories can be exposed to these hazards left behind.

“It’s unfortunate that neighbors have to deal with potential exposure to water damage, mold, smoke residues and chemicals all because they live in a building where one tenant is suspected of making meth,” said Joe Frasca, Senior Vice President, Marketing at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “A meth lab in a condo, apartment complex or other shared building potentially puts everyone in the property at risk.”

To help identify meth residues on surfaces, EMSL has developed an easy-to-use Methamphetamine Test Kit. The kit provides a quick and simple method to collect a sample to send off to the laboratory. EMSL also provides testing services for smoke residues, mold and other indoor environmental quality (IEQ) contaminants. The testing experts have even produced an online instructional video that describes common meth sampling techniques 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. To obtain a Methamphetamine Test Kit to sample for surface residues, visit www.EMSLTestKits.com.


About EMSL Analytical, Inc.
EMSL Analytical is one of the leading testing laboratories with over 45 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.