Clandestine LabsClandestine LabsClandestine LabsClandestine LabsThere’s a Meth to My There’s a Meth to My

MadnessMadnessMadnessMadnessPresented to: New England AIHA AllPresented to: New England AIHA All--Day Technical MeetingDay Technical MeetingO t b 21 2014O t b 21 2014October 21, 2014 October 21, 2014

Is This A Meth Lab ?Is This A Meth Lab ?Is This A Meth Lab ?Is This A Meth Lab ?

How About This ?How About This ?How About This ?How About This ?

Methamphetamine TraffickingMethamphetamine TraffickingMethamphetamine TraffickingMethamphetamine Trafficking

Meth Trafficking and AbuseMeth Trafficking and AbuseMeth Trafficking and Abuse Meth Trafficking and Abuse has become the most the widest and most has become the most the widest and most pressing illegal drug problem in the US.pressing illegal drug problem in the US.In 2004, 1.4 million people in US used meth.In 2004, 1.4 million people in US used meth.Treatments where meth was the primary drug Treatments where meth was the primary drug of abuse increased from 47,695 (1995) to of abuse increased from 47,695 (1995) to 152,368 (2005). 152,368 (2005). 10 015 lab seizures (US 2004)10 015 lab seizures (US 2004)10,015 lab seizures (US, 2004)10,015 lab seizures (US, 2004)This only represents the number through the This only represents the number through the legal system.legal system.legal system.legal system.

Clandestine LabsClandestine LabsClandestine LabsClandestine Labs

Clan labs make amphetamines, MDMA, Clan labs make amphetamines, MDMA, methcathionone PCP LSD and Fentanylmethcathionone PCP LSD and Fentanylmethcathionone, PCP, LSD and Fentanylmethcathionone, PCP, LSD and FentanylBut Methamphetamines represent 80But Methamphetamines represent 80--90% 90% f ll Cl L b d tif ll Cl L b d tiof all Clan Lab productionof all Clan Lab production

Are Amphetamines “New”Are Amphetamines “New”Are Amphetamines NewAre Amphetamines New

First developed by a German researcher in 1887.First developed by a German researcher in 1887.First synthesized by a Japanese pharmacologist in 1917.First synthesized by a Japanese pharmacologist in 1917.Li d i US i 1930’ t t t th dLi d i US i 1930’ t t t th dLicensed in US in 1930’s to treat asthma and Licensed in US in 1930’s to treat asthma and narcolepsy.narcolepsy.Widely used in WWII and Korean Wars to keep soldiers Widely used in WWII and Korean Wars to keep soldiers on edge. Later used to treat “depression” (now known on edge. Later used to treat “depression” (now known as PTSD).as PTSD).Until the 1960’s amphetamines were legally available forUntil the 1960’s amphetamines were legally available forUntil the 1960 s amphetamines were legally available for Until the 1960 s amphetamines were legally available for anxiety, depression and weight loss.anxiety, depression and weight loss.

Benzedrine, Dexedrine, Bennies, Pep PillsBenzedrine, Dexedrine, Bennies, Pep Pills

So, What Are Methamphetamines ?So, What Are Methamphetamines ?So, What Are Methamphetamines ?So, What Are Methamphetamines ?

Meth is a CNS stimulantMeth is a CNS stimulantMeth is a CNS stimulant.Meth is a CNS stimulant.Chemical structure similar to the Chemical structure similar to the neurotransmitter Dopamineneurotransmitter Dopamineneurotransmitter, Dopamine.neurotransmitter, Dopamine.Stimulates brain cells enhancing mood Stimulates brain cells enhancing mood

d b d td b d tand body movement.and body movement.Gives a short “rush” followed by a crash Gives a short “rush” followed by a crash requiring more and more frequent “hits”.requiring more and more frequent “hits”.

The Growth of MethThe Growth of MethThe Growth of MethThe Growth of Meth

Started in California and started moving East.Started in California and started moving East.Large pockets of use in smallLarge pockets of use in small--town Midwesttown Midwestg pg pMeth is so addictive, the more who Meth is so addictive, the more who experimented, the more addicted, hence the experimented, the more addicted, hence the

d dd dmore demand.more demand.Most rapid growth since the early 1990’sMost rapid growth since the early 1990’s

Became easier to learn techniques and produceBecame easier to learn techniques and produceBecame easier to learn techniques and produceBecame easier to learn techniques and produceEasier to acquire chemicals (until recently)Easier to acquire chemicals (until recently)Newer, “safer” methods of production.Newer, “safer” methods of production.

Where Do You Find Meth Labs ?Where Do You Find Meth Labs ?Where Do You Find Meth Labs ? Where Do You Find Meth Labs ?

Rental propertiesRental properties SRO’sSRO’sRental propertiesRental propertiesFarmhousesFarmhousesApartmentsApartments

SRO sSRO sAbandoned homesAbandoned homesSelfSelf--Storage UnitsStorage UnitsApartmentsApartments

WarehousesWarehousesHotel roomsHotel rooms

SelfSelf--Storage UnitsStorage UnitsVehiclesVehiclesHighway TrucksHighway TrucksHotel roomsHotel rooms

MotelsMotelsHighway TrucksHighway TrucksIn short…..In short…..

Avoid captureAvoid captureAvoid captureAvoid captureAvoid asset seizureAvoid asset seizureAvoid cleanup costsAvoid cleanup costsAvoid cleanup costsAvoid cleanup costs

Some Typical LabsSome Typical LabsSome Typical LabsSome Typical Labs

Some MoreSome MoreSome More…Some More…

Clandestine Labs Cause:Clandestine Labs Cause:Clandestine Labs Cause:Clandestine Labs Cause:

Physical injury from explosions, fire, Physical injury from explosions, fire, chemical burns and toxic fumeschemical burns and toxic fumeschemical burns and toxic fumeschemical burns and toxic fumesEnvironmental HazardsEnvironmental HazardsChild EndangermentChild EndangermentDamage/Destruction of PropertyDamage/Destruction of Propertyg p yg p y

Lions and Tigers and Bears, Oh My !Lions and Tigers and Bears, Oh My !Lions and Tigers and Bears, Oh My !Lions and Tigers and Bears, Oh My !

6 Deaths/Year from Fires/Explosions6 Deaths/Year from Fires/Explosions6 Deaths/Year from Fires/Explosions6 Deaths/Year from Fires/Explosions1 in 5 labs ID’ed because of a fire or 1 in 5 labs ID’ed because of a fire or explosionexplosionexplosion.explosion.1 in 4 cooks have experienced a fire in 1 in 4 cooks have experienced a fire in th i l bth i l btheir lab.their lab.Lack of SafetyLack of SafetyLack of Basic Chemistry KnowledgeLack of Basic Chemistry Knowledge

Environmental RisksEnvironmental RisksEnvironmental RisksEnvironmental Risks

1 pound of meth produces 51 pound of meth produces 5--6 pounds6 pounds1 pound of meth produces 51 pound of meth produces 5--6 pounds 6 pounds of toxic chemical waste.of toxic chemical waste.

Dumped down drainDumped down drainDumped down drainDumped down drainDumped in yardDumped in yardDumped in household trashDumped in household trashDumped in household trashDumped in household trashVented outdoors (for those smart enough to Vented outdoors (for those smart enough to use ventilation)use ventilation)use ventilation)use ventilation)Toxic gases absorb into anything porous.Toxic gases absorb into anything porous.

Child EndangermentChild EndangermentChild EndangermentChild Endangerment

In 2003, state and local police found over In 2003, state and local police found over 3 000 children3 000 children livingliving in clandestine labsin clandestine labs3,000 children 3,000 children livingliving in clandestine labs.in clandestine labs.TwoTwo--thirds of those children tested positive thirds of those children tested positive f t i l l f h i l i th i b dif t i l l f h i l i th i b difor toxic levels of chemicals in their bodies.for toxic levels of chemicals in their bodies.Half of children had burns to lungs and Half of children had burns to lungs and skin from chemicals or fire.skin from chemicals or fire.

Types of Meth LabsTypes of Meth LabsTypes of Meth LabsTypes of Meth Labs

“Super Lab”“Super Lab” “Beavis & Butthead” ”“Beavis & Butthead” ”Super LabSuper Lab10% of all labs BUT 10% of all labs BUT 80% of production.80% of production.

Beavis & Butthead Beavis & Butthead 90% of all labs BUT 90% of all labs BUT 20% of production.20% of production.% p% p

Large and highly Large and highly organized.organized.

% p% pMom & Pop operationsMom & Pop operationsSmall and untrainedSmall and untrained

KnowledgeableKnowledgeableCan make 10 pounds Can make 10 pounds per production cycleper production cycle

More for use and small More for use and small sales.sales.1 t 4 / l1 t 4 / lper production cycle.per production cycle.

Fewer fires and Fewer fires and explosions.explosions.

1 to 4 ounces/cycle1 to 4 ounces/cycleFar bigger risk of fires Far bigger risk of fires and explosionsand explosionspp

And Now, There is a Third Type of LabAnd Now, There is a Third Type of LabAnd Now, There is a Third Type of LabAnd Now, There is a Third Type of Lab

We bring you, We bring you, “The Dirt Lab”“The Dirt Lab”G t h l b d th i tG t h l b d th i tGoes to where super labs dump their wasteGoes to where super labs dump their wasteOperates under cover of darknessOperates under cover of darknessDigs up soilDigs up soilTries to extract residual meth from waste.Tries to extract residual meth from waste.Highly toxic Highly toxic –– No control over what is in No control over what is in product.product.

Who Runs Clandestine Labs?Who Runs Clandestine Labs?Who Runs Clandestine Labs?Who Runs Clandestine Labs?Few people have knowledge to produce large Few people have knowledge to produce large p p g p gp p g p ghighhigh--quality batches.quality batches.Few have chemistry backgrounds.Few have chemistry backgrounds.Underground lessonsUnderground lessonsUnderground lessonsUnderground lessons“Breaking Bad” “Breaking Bad” –– Not RealityNot RealityLab employeesLab employees –– Operator (foreman) CookOperator (foreman) CookLab employees Lab employees Operator (foreman), Cook, Operator (foreman), Cook, Workers, SecurityWorkers, Security

Most cooks are white males, in their 30’s, from Most cooks are white males, in their 30’s, from middle/lower socioeconomic backgroundmiddle/lower socioeconomic backgroundmiddle/lower socioeconomic backgroundmiddle/lower socioeconomic backgroundFrom abusive households, either drugs/alcoholFrom abusive households, either drugs/alcoholAccess to anhydrous ammonia from farms.Access to anhydrous ammonia from farms.

How Many Labs Are There ?How Many Labs Are There ?How Many Labs Are There ?How Many Labs Are There ?

YearYear StateState LocalLocal TotalTotal20032003 682682 497497 1,1791,17920042004 630630 842842 1 4721 47220042004 630630 842842 1,4721,47220052005 345345 415415 76076020062006 116116 329329 445445200200 4242 132132 1 41 420072007 4242 132132 17417420082008 7272 129129 20120120092009 8787 176176 26326320102010 6464 241241 30530520112011 5656 356356 41241220122012 7070 312312 38238220122012 7070 312312 38238220132013 5151 299299 350350

Regulatory StatutesRegulatory StatutesRegulatory StatutesRegulatory Statutes

Combat Methamphetamine Epidemic Act ofCombat Methamphetamine Epidemic Act ofCombat Methamphetamine Epidemic Act of Combat Methamphetamine Epidemic Act of 20052005

Limited sale and use of amphetaminesLimited sale and use of amphetaminesUSA Patriot Act of 2005USA Patriot Act of 2005

Strengthen federal, state and local laws.Strengthen federal, state and local laws.Methamphetamine Remediation Research Act of Methamphetamine Remediation Research Act of 20052005

NIST Guidelines. Who should be responsible for cost NIST Guidelines. Who should be responsible for cost of cleanup.of cleanup.40 states restrict sale of pseudephedrine40 states restrict sale of pseudephedrine40 states restrict sale of pseudephedrine40 states restrict sale of pseudephedrine

Main Cooking MethodsMain Cooking MethodsMain Cooking MethodsMain Cooking MethodsShake & Bake Shake & Bake –– “One Pot”“One Pot”

Favored today. Variation of BIRCH ReductionFavored today. Variation of BIRCH ReductionUses metallic sodiumUses metallic sodium

RedRed--P (Red Phosphorus)P (Red Phosphorus)RedRed P (Red Phosphorus)P (Red Phosphorus)Uses pseudephedrine or ephedrine as starter Uses pseudephedrine or ephedrine as starter –– Strictly regulatedStrictly regulatedReduces iodine to HI. OffReduces iodine to HI. Off--gases phosphine.gases phosphine.

NAZI DopeNAZI DopeNAZI DopeNAZI DopeMisnamed.Misnamed.Form of lithium reductionForm of lithium reduction

P2P P2P –– PhenylPhenyl--22--propanonepropanoneNo longer used. Phenylacetic acid strictly regulated. Slower, less No longer used. Phenylacetic acid strictly regulated. Slower, less pure, more side effects.pure, more side effects.

Some of What You Will FindSome of What You Will FindSome of What You Will FindSome of What You Will Find

EphedrineEphedrine Anhydrous ammoniaAnhydrous ammoniaEphedrineEphedrinePseudephidrinePseudephidrineRed phosphorusRed phosphorus

Anhydrous ammoniaAnhydrous ammoniaMetallic lithiumMetallic lithiumMetallic sodiumMetallic sodiumRed phosphorusRed phosphorus

IodineIodineHydroiodic acidHydroiodic acid

Metallic sodiumMetallic sodiumPhenyl Phenyl propanolaminepropanolamineHydroiodic acidHydroiodic acid

Hydrochloric AcidHydrochloric AcidEtherEther

propanolaminepropanolamineMercuryMercuryLeadLeadEtherEther LeadLead

Signs of Clandestine LabsSigns of Clandestine LabsSigns of Clandestine LabsSigns of Clandestine Labs

Windows blacked out/boarded up.Windows blacked out/boarded up.Windows blacked out/boarded up.Windows blacked out/boarded up.Strong odor of solventsStrong odor of solventsSmell of ammoniaSmell of ammoniaSmell of ammoniaSmell of ammoniaIodine or chemical stained fixturesIodine or chemical stained fixturesD d h b t f d tiD d h b t f d tiDead grass or shrubs at foundationDead grass or shrubs at foundationSmell of lighter fluidSmell of lighter fluidIncreasing amounts of trashIncreasing amounts of trashIncreased traffic at nightIncreased traffic at night

Meth Sales on the StreetMeth Sales on the StreetMeth Sales on the StreetMeth Sales on the Street

$ 20 $ 20 -- $ 300 / gram$ 300 / gram$ 270$ 270 $ 5 000 /$ 5 000 /$ 270 $ 270 -- $ 5,000 / ounce$ 5,000 / ounce

$ 1,600 $ 1,600 -- $ 45,000 / pound$ 45,000 / pound

Cleaning A Meth LabCleaning A Meth LabCleaning A Meth LabCleaning A Meth Lab

Complex, timeComplex, time--consuming and costly.consuming and costly.In almost every state cleanup is theIn almost every state cleanup is theIn almost every state, cleanup is the In almost every state, cleanup is the responsibility of the property owner.responsibility of the property owner.Very few insurance policies cover cleanup costsVery few insurance policies cover cleanup costsVery few insurance policies cover cleanup costs.Very few insurance policies cover cleanup costs.In some states, seizing a lab makes PD liable for In some states, seizing a lab makes PD liable for some of the cleanup costs.some of the cleanup costs.so e o t e c ea up costsso e o t e c ea up costsCan attempt to go after lab operator for asset Can attempt to go after lab operator for asset seizure, cost recovery. seizure, cost recovery. , y, y

MultiMulti--Tenant Buildings Are a Special Tenant Buildings Are a Special P blP blProblemProblem

In Apartment Buildings Condos or MobileIn Apartment Buildings Condos or MobileIn Apartment Buildings, Condos or Mobile In Apartment Buildings, Condos or Mobile Home Parks…Home Parks…

Tenants displaced by court order could haveTenants displaced by court order could haveTenants displaced by court order could have Tenants displaced by court order could have claims against landlord or condo board.claims against landlord or condo board.LandlordLandlord--tenant statutes for termination oftenant statutes for termination ofLandlordLandlord tenant statutes for termination of tenant statutes for termination of lease and diminished value (condo).lease and diminished value (condo).Also claims for negligence against landlordAlso claims for negligence against landlordAlso claims for negligence against landlord Also claims for negligence against landlord from adverse health effects. from adverse health effects.

What Happens to a Property ?What Happens to a Property ?What Happens to a Property ?What Happens to a Property ?

Varies greatly from state to stateVaries greatly from state to stateVaries greatly from state to state.Varies greatly from state to state.Idaho has some of the strictest lawsIdaho has some of the strictest laws

2005 D t H lth & W lf t th it2005 D t H lth & W lf t th it2005 Dept. Health & Welfare get authority2005 Dept. Health & Welfare get authority•• Property is ID’ed by law enforcementProperty is ID’ed by law enforcement•• Property posted and PD notifies homeowneerProperty posted and PD notifies homeowneer•• Property posted and PD notifies homeowneerProperty posted and PD notifies homeowneer•• Owner places pty on Clandestine Drugsite listOwner places pty on Clandestine Drugsite list•• Owner responsible to make sure pty stays emptyOwner responsible to make sure pty stays emptyOwner responsible to make sure pty stays empty Owner responsible to make sure pty stays empty

until cleaned or demolisheduntil cleaned or demolished•• Ensure cleanup is completed by qualified IHEnsure cleanup is completed by qualified IH

Steps for CleanupSteps for CleanupSteps for CleanupSteps for CleanupVisual assessment & cleanup plan by IHVisual assessment & cleanup plan by IHp p yp p yVentilation of buildingVentilation of buildingGross contaminant removal /chemicals.Gross contaminant removal /chemicals.Remove carpets, furnishingsRemove carpets, furnishingsRemove appliancesRemove appliancesS ( )S ( )Structural demolition (walls, ceilings)Structural demolition (walls, ceilings)Surface decontaminationSurface decontaminationPlumbing system cleaning (drains traps)Plumbing system cleaning (drains traps)Plumbing system cleaning (drains, traps)Plumbing system cleaning (drains, traps)HVAC system clean or demolish (settled residue)HVAC system clean or demolish (settled residue)Wash/Disinfect (Up to three times)Wash/Disinfect (Up to three times)Wash/Disinfect (Up to three times)Wash/Disinfect (Up to three times)Paint/EncapsulatePaint/Encapsulate

How Clean is Clean ?How Clean is Clean ?How Clean is Clean ?How Clean is Clean ?

Very few states have cleanup standardsVery few states have cleanup standardsVery few states have cleanup standards.Very few states have cleanup standards.12 states use 0.1 ug/100 cm2.12 states use 0.1 ug/100 cm2.35 states have “no” numerical cleanup35 states have “no” numerical cleanup35 states have no numerical cleanup 35 states have no numerical cleanup standardstandard3 states have “other” limits3 states have “other” limits3 states have other limits3 states have other limits

•• CO CO –– 0.5 ug/100cm20.5 ug/100cm2•• NMNM –– 1 ug/ SF (0.11 ug/100 cm2)1 ug/ SF (0.11 ug/100 cm2)NM NM 1 ug/ SF (0.11 ug/100 cm2)1 ug/ SF (0.11 ug/100 cm2)•• OR OR –– 0.5 ug/SF (0.055 ug/100 cm2) 0.5 ug/SF (0.055 ug/100 cm2)

TestingTestingTestingTestingTesting for Meth and Meth PrecursorsTesting for Meth and Meth Precursorsgg

No air sampling methodNo air sampling methodSurface wipe sampling method NMAM 9111Surface wipe sampling method NMAM 9111

D l d b D t Ch d t t / NIOSHD l d b D t Ch d t t / NIOSH•• Developed by DataChem under contract w/ NIOSHDeveloped by DataChem under contract w/ NIOSH•• Test representative surfaces (floors, walls, ceilings, counters, Test representative surfaces (floors, walls, ceilings, counters,

appliances); where wall or floor meet a warmer or colder appliances); where wall or floor meet a warmer or colder exterior surfaceexterior surface Meth will crystallize outMeth will crystallize outexterior surface exterior surface –– Meth will crystallize out.Meth will crystallize out.

•• Composites of “similar surfaces”Composites of “similar surfaces”•• Minimum of 5 samples depending on size and complexityMinimum of 5 samples depending on size and complexity•• Cost $ 95/sample for Meth (1 day TAT)Cost $ 95/sample for Meth (1 day TAT)•• Cost $ 95/sample for Meth (1 day TAT)Cost $ 95/sample for Meth (1 day TAT)•• $ 145/Meth and Precursors (5 day TAT)$ 145/Meth and Precursors (5 day TAT)•• Individual test kits supplied by labIndividual test kits supplied by lab

Cost of RestorationCost of RestorationCost of RestorationCost of Restoration

Plans by IH/SubmittalsPlans by IH/Submittals $ 3,000$ 3,000-- 5,0005,000Plans by IH/SubmittalsPlans by IH/Submittals $ 3,000$ 3,000 5,0005,000Decon of “average” site $ 50,000Decon of “average” site $ 50,000Large labs can be up to $ 150 000Large labs can be up to $ 150 000Large labs can be up to $ 150,000Large labs can be up to $ 150,000Post cleanup testing $ 2,000Post cleanup testing $ 2,000-- 3,000 3,000 R b ild/ f i hR b ild/ f i h $ 30 000$ 30 000 40 00040 000Rebuild/refurnishRebuild/refurnish $ 30,000 $ 30,000 –– 40,00040,000Total costTotal cost $ 100,000 to $ 250,000$ 100,000 to $ 250,000Many owners abandon property rather Many owners abandon property rather than try to clean.than try to clean.

What Can Be Done ?What Can Be Done ?What Can Be Done ?What Can Be Done ?

Invest in Meth treatmentInvest in Meth treatmentInvest in Meth treatmentInvest in Meth treatmentUse the drug courts to fight Meth addictionUse the drug courts to fight Meth addictionSt t M th d tiSt t M th d tiStart Meth education programsStart Meth education programsTarget areas of greatest need and allocate Target areas of greatest need and allocate resources accordinglyresources accordinglySupport and participate in antiSupport and participate in anti--Meth Meth pp p ppp p pcoalitionscoalitions