Cinnaminson, New Jersey, July 24, 2024
Multiple media outlets recently reported on a house fire in Warminster Township, Pennsylvania. According to the reports, the fire was caused by a meth lab operating in the home’s basement.
Many of the chemicals used in the production of methamphetamine are indeed explosive and highly toxic. The National Drug Intelligence Center, a component of the U.S. Justice Department, warns that simply being exposed to the toxic chemicals used to produce the drug poses a variety of health risks, including intoxication, dizziness, nausea, disorientation, lack of coordination, pulmonary edema, serious respiratory problems, severe chemical burns and damage to internal organs.
“Chemicals commonly used in the production of meth include flammable and volatile solvents such as methanol, ether, benzene, methylene chloride and trichloroethane,” said Joe Frasca, Senior Vice President, Marketing at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “Other chemicals may include muriatic acid, sodium hydroxide and ammonia. In this case, the meth lab was found by authorities due to the fire and hopefully will be properly remediated. However, when these properties aren’t discovered, they can be a real threat to future families or building occupants. Many of these toxic chemicals can easily contaminate carpeting, wallboard, ceiling tiles, furniture and fabrics that absorb spilled or vaporized chemicals. Surface residues are another serious concern. These hazards can remain a danger long after a property was used as an illicit drug laboratory.”
Dedicated to helping property owners, landlords, tenants, facility managers, law enforcement, real estate professionals, environmental consultants and regulatory agencies detect these chemicals are the scientists at EMSL Analytical, Inc. With a laboratory in Pennsylvania, and dozens more across the United States and Canada, EMSL offers testing services to identify surface residues, bulk chemicals and air quality exposure risks. They also provide sampling supplies, personal protective equipment (PPE) and easy-to-use test kits. EMSL has even sponsored an educational video about meth labs and building occupant exposure risks that can be seen at: https://youtu.be/Mt_P591sBAo
To learn more about chemical, residue or indoor air quality testing resources, please visit www.EMSL.com, email info@EMSL.com or call (800) 220-3675. To obtain a Methamphetamine Test Kit for surface residues, visit www.EMSLTestKits.com.
About EMSL Analytical, Inc.
EMSL Analytical is one of the leading testing laboratories with 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, VOCs, 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.
Order Sampling Supplies
Request Pricing
Technical Questions
24/7 Account Access
Email Us
