Effects Of Meth Laboratories
Environmental Effects of Meth Labs
Abstract
The purpose of this paper is to examine the potential risk of, and the environmental effect of methamphetamine (meth or MA) laboratories. Also examined will be the effect these laboratories have on vegetation and wildlife. This paper will discuss some signs that might indicate meth production, as well as associated clean-up costs for areas that have been exposed to methamphetamine production.
Environmental Effects of Methamphetamine Laboratories
Crystal Methamphetamine is a commonly used narcotic in the United States. In 2005, the National Survey on Drug Use and Health reported that 10.4 million people over the age of 12 had tried crystal meth (James, …show more content…
The use of these compounds and other flammable materials in close proximity to fire, along with improper storage, use, or disposal of such chemicals often leads to clandestine laboratory fires and explosions. When a meth lab explodes, the toxic fumes are released into the environment at an alarming rate. National Clandestine Laboratory Seizure System (NCLSS) 2003 data show that there were 529 reported meth laboratory fires or explosions nationwide, a slight decrease from 654 reported fires or explosions in 2002 (NDTA, 2004). It is estimated there are 10, 000 to 13,000 clandestine meth labs operating today. While each is a potential hazard to the environment in its own right, an estimated 10% will result in a fire or …show more content…
According to the Congressional Caucus to Fight and Control Methamphetamine, a typical meth lab is a collection of chemical bottles, hoses and pressurized cylinders. These labs are considered environmental hazards because of the volatile chemicals and cooking process used to manufacture this highly toxic drug. The Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) estimates that more than 68 percent of all meth labs in the United States are located in ordinary homes in rural and residential areas (George, 2013).
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) says that the toxic chemicals used in illicit methamphetamine laboratories may leech into soil and waterways, causing negative impact to vegetation, wildlife and drinking water. The chemical contamination resulting from meth labs includes highly toxic substances such as battery acid, red phosphorus, iodine, ammonia, starter fluid and drain
Abstract
The purpose of this paper is to examine the potential risk of, and the environmental effect of methamphetamine (meth or MA) laboratories. Also examined will be the effect these laboratories have on vegetation and wildlife. This paper will discuss some signs that might indicate meth production, as well as associated clean-up costs for areas that have been exposed to methamphetamine production.
Environmental Effects of Methamphetamine Laboratories
Crystal Methamphetamine is a commonly used narcotic in the United States. In 2005, the National Survey on Drug Use and Health reported that 10.4 million people over the age of 12 had tried crystal meth (James, …show more content…
The use of these compounds and other flammable materials in close proximity to fire, along with improper storage, use, or disposal of such chemicals often leads to clandestine laboratory fires and explosions. When a meth lab explodes, the toxic fumes are released into the environment at an alarming rate. National Clandestine Laboratory Seizure System (NCLSS) 2003 data show that there were 529 reported meth laboratory fires or explosions nationwide, a slight decrease from 654 reported fires or explosions in 2002 (NDTA, 2004). It is estimated there are 10, 000 to 13,000 clandestine meth labs operating today. While each is a potential hazard to the environment in its own right, an estimated 10% will result in a fire or …show more content…
According to the Congressional Caucus to Fight and Control Methamphetamine, a typical meth lab is a collection of chemical bottles, hoses and pressurized cylinders. These labs are considered environmental hazards because of the volatile chemicals and cooking process used to manufacture this highly toxic drug. The Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) estimates that more than 68 percent of all meth labs in the United States are located in ordinary homes in rural and residential areas (George, 2013).
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) says that the toxic chemicals used in illicit methamphetamine laboratories may leech into soil and waterways, causing negative impact to vegetation, wildlife and drinking water. The chemical contamination resulting from meth labs includes highly toxic substances such as battery acid, red phosphorus, iodine, ammonia, starter fluid and drain