Series: Coming Clean (Part 1B)

CLEANING UP METH HOUSES

North Carolina had no cleanup law before December, so many residents could
be living in former meth labs without knowing it.

Permanent rules went into effect in the state on April 1.

Once a property has been cleaned, state laws do not require a property
owner, manager or Realtor to disclose that a property was once a meth lab site.

Scientists say a lab produces 5 to 7 pounds of toxic waste for every pound
of methamphetamine yielded.

Meth houses remain heavily contaminated at least six months after an actual
cook takes place.

Studies show that chemicals used to make meth can lead to cancer; brain,
liver and kidney damage; birth defects and reproductive problems.

The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration reports that known meth labs have
increased from just under 400 in 1992 to nearly 17,000 last year.

The state had only nine meth lab busts in 1999. By 2004, the number was 322.

Rowan County authorities have reported at least 11 seizures of meth labs
since 2000.