Series: Meth - A Rising Blight (Part 2E)

Toxic Hazards

METH LABS ARE PERILOUS, CAN SCAR ENVIRONMENT

Cleanup Costs Sap State Resources

Meth labs pose a significant environmental hazard because they use and
generate such toxic chemicals as ammonia, hydrochloric acid, solvents and lye.

Methamphetamine labs create five to six pounds of toxic waste for every
pound of drugs produced, according to the University of Kentucky
Agriculture Cooperative Extension Service.

Volatile substances used can cause fires and explosions, a particular
problem because labs typically are makeshift, set up in apartments, hotel
rooms, outbuildings or even in vans or cars.

Waste from labs can contaminate vehicles, buildings, air, groundwater and
well water, and it is linked to respiratory, kidney and liver damage and
birth defects.

Most labs are abandoned when the operators are finished.

"Never enter what you suspect to be a meth lab," warns a booklet produced
by the Cooperative Extension Service. "If you find yourself inside one,
leave immediately."

Such operations are expensive to clean up, officials say.

Indiana State Police report that the cost of removing chemicals from meth
labs is more than $4.5million a year, according to a state task force.

Kentucky estimates its cost at $500 a lab - a cost it has reduced
significantly by using large storage containers at a single location to
hold chemicals for pickup.

Before that, it cost at least $3,500 a lab - including the costs of keeping
officers at the site until crews could arrive to pick up the chemicals,
said Maj. Mike Sapp of the Kentucky State Police.

Meth labs often are located in remote or rural areas and pose a significant
environmental hazard, the extension service said.

Anyone suspecting a meth lab or meth activity is encouraged to call the
Kentucky State Police at (800) 222-5555.

In Indiana, the state police methamphetamine hotline is (800) 453-4756.

More information on meth and meth labs may be found at the UK extension
service Web site: www.ca.uky.edu/heel/.