Methamphetamine Testing

St. Louis, MO, November 18^th , 2019

Despite a Missouri disclosure law, a couple who purchased a house in Jefferson County discovered the hard way that the home they bought had previously been used as a clandestine meth laboratory according to a report by a news station. The article states it wasn’t until the woman took a prenatal test that showed meth in her body that an investigation revealed the property had been previously seized by the county as a clandestine drug lab.

The hazardous chemicals used in the drug’s production and the methamphetamine itself that is all too frequently produced in houses, apartments, hotels, motels and even RVs, can severely contaminate the indoor environment. 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 substances can remain an indoor exposure concern long after the structure was used for meth production.

“As this case highlights that not only were the new building occupants and their unborn child put at risk, the couple is also facing what has been reported to be a $100,000+ bill to have their home properly remediated,” said Joe Frasca, Senior Vice President, Marketing at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “Even in states that have disclosure laws, it could be a smart move and small price to pay to have a test performed to identify meth residues or other potential indoor environmental quality issues before purchasing or renting a home.”

To identify meth residues on surfaces, EMSL Analytical, Inc. has developed a Methamphetamine Test Kit. The kit provides a quick and simple method to collect a sample that is then sent off to the laboratory. EMSL also offers indoor environmental quality (IEQ) testing for a wide range of other chemicals and microbial contaminants that may be found indoors.

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 or to learn more about IEQ test kits, visit www.EMSLTestKits.com.


About EMSL Analytical, Inc.
EMSL Analytical is one of the leading testing laboratories with over 46 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.