#J#: US IL: CHILDREN ARE UNSUSPECTING VICTIMS OF METHAMPHETAMINE ABUSE

CARTERVILLE -- One of the most gripping sessions of the Third Annual
Methamphetamine Awareness Conference this week was the effects of
meth production on children who are exposed.

The chemicals used to cook meth, along with the toxic compounds and
byproducts resulting from its manufacture produce toxic fumes, vapors
and spills. A child living at a meth lab may inhale or swallow toxic
substances or inhale the secondhand smoke of adults who are using
meth, receive an injection or an accidental skin prick from discarded
needles or other drug paraphernalia, absorb methamphetamine and other
toxic substances through the skin following contact with contaminated
surfaces; clothing, or food, or become ill after directly ingesting
chemicals or an intermediate product. Exposure to low levels of some
meth ingredients may produce headache, nausea, dizziness, and
fatigue. Exposure to high levels can produce shortness of breath,
cough; headache, nausea, dizziness, and fatigue. Exposure to low
levels of some meth ingredients may produce shortness of breath,
coughing, chest pain, dizziness, lack of coordination, eye and tissue
irritation, chemical burns, to the skin, eyes, mouth and nose, and
death. Corrosive substances may cause injury through inhalation or
contact with skin. Solvents can irritate the skin, mucous membranes,
and respiratory tract and and affect the affect the central nervous
system. Chronic exposure to the chemicals typically used in meth
manufacturing may cause cancer, damage to the brain, liver, kidney,
spleen, iummunologic system, and may result in birth defects.

Normal cleaning will not remove meth and some of the chemicals used
to produce it. They may remain on eating and cooking utensils,
floors, countertops, and absorbent materials. Toxic byproducts of
meth manufacturing are often improperly disposed outdoors,
endangering children and others who live, eat, play or walk at or
near the site.

For every pound of meth made, seven pounds of toxic lab waste is
produced. Most of this dangerous toxic waste will be dumped secretly
in our community.

Another danger that not only children, but innocent neighbors, face
is that of explosion.

Approximately 15 percent of meth labs are discovered as a result of a
fire or explosion. Careless handling and overheating of highly
volatile hazardous chemicals and waste and unsafe manufacturing
methods cause solvents and other materials to burst into flames or
explode. Improperly labeled and incompatible chemicals are often
stored together, compounding the likelihood of fire and explosion.
Highly combustible materials left on stovetops, near ignition
sources, or on surfaces accessible to children can be easily ignited
by a single spark or cigarette ember.

Meth labs have been described as bombs waiting to be ignited by a careless act.

Children developing within the chaos, neglect and violence of a
clandestine meth lab environment experience stress and trauma that
significantly affect their overall safety and health, including their
behavorial, emotional, and cognitive functioning. They often exhibit
low self-esteem, a sense of shame, and poor social skills.
Consequences may include emotional and mental health problems,
delinquency, teen pregancy, school absenteeism and failure, isolation
and poor peer relations. Without effective intervention, many will
imitate their parents and caretakers when they themselves become
adults, engaging in criminal or violent behavior, inappropriate
conduct, and alcohol or drug abuse.

Many children who live in drug homes exhibit an attachment disorder,
which occurs when parents or caretakers fail to respond to an
infant's basic needs or do so unpredictably. These children typically
do not cry or show or show emotion when separated from their parents.
Symptoms of attachment disorder include the inability to trust, form
relationships, and adapt. Attachment disorders place children at
greater risk for later criminal behavior and substance abuse. To
minimize long-term damage, children from these environments require
mental health interventions and stable, nurturing caregivers.