METH LAB DISMANTLER TALKS ABOUT DANGERS

The methamphetamine epidemic is growing at an alarming rate, destroying
individuals and tearing families apart.

The problem of meth use has lawmakers scrambling to simplify laws and
clarify chemicals and equipment used in the manufacture, as costly cleanup
continues to exhaust revenue.

Knowing what to do if you ever encounter a meth lab is as important as
knowing what the drug actually is.

Certified clandestine meth lab dismantler Mike Andrews said meth has become
so prevalent that someone had to be trained to clean up labs. So, in
addition to his other duties, when called, he puts on a "moon" suit and
goes to work.

"The problem of methamphetamine use was overlooked at first, because I
don't think many people understood what the drug was or even how it was
manufactured," Andrews said. "But that has changed. We had to start
fighting back. We couldn't ignore it any longer because it was growing so
fast."

He said there is nothing good about a meth lab.

"After a meth lab is discovered by an officer, or if an officer walks upon
what is believed to be a meth lab, they have learned not to touch anything
and to call us immediately," he said.

"When the problem first started, evidence was being removed and housed
under lock and key at a police or sheriff's department. No one gave a
thought as to the dangers associated of housing potentially volatile
chemicals."

Mobile labs are transported in vehicle or concealed inside a duffel bag.

"When an officer discovers a meth lab, I ask the officer what he or she saw
or smelled at the site, and ask what the suspects have told the officer,"
Andrews said. "Typically, meth labs are found in rural areas, in abandoned
houses or outbuildings, and usually a duffel bag is located nearby."

Andews encounters anhydrous ammonia based meth labs, adding red
phosphorous, also called red p, labs are found in the western states.

"Before I enter a suspected meth lab site, I put on protective clothing,
including a chemical resistant suit, special chemical resistant boots and
two pairs of chemical resistant gloves," he said. "One pair of gloves goes
inside the suit, and the other pair is outside the suit. Two pairs are
required in case one gets ripped or torn."

He also wears a self-contained breathing apparatus strapped to his back in
order have fresh oxygen.

"Breathing in these chemicals is lethal," he said. "Chemical fumes can burn
your lungs and destroy tissue."

Part of the training includes becoming accustomed to having a breathing
apparatus strapped to your back.

"You have to be careful when you move with one of these things on, to make
sure you don't knock over part of the lab that you are trying to clean up,"
Andrews said. "The breathing apparatus is required by OSHA.

"When we go to dismantle a meth lab, there are always others with me, in
case one of us collapses. Two go into the lab site while two people remain
outside in case they have to come to the rescue to help get someone out of
a building if he or she becomes overcome by toxic fumes."

Upon arrival, dismantlers assess the lab but don't move anything.

"We look to see what we have in the way of chemicals and the manufactured
product and are ready with monitors to measure the chemical level to see if
chemicals are flammable and to determine if the air is oxygen enriched or
oxygen deficient," Andrews said. "We open windows and doors and check
levels to determine if we need to upgrade to a portable air tank or
downgrade to a respirator or gas mask."

Dismantlers then process the lab, collect the evidence and take photos of
the site.

"We take a drager instrument reading, which tests for the presence of
hydrochloric gas, ammonia, or ether," Andrews said. "Usually the chemicals
are in Mason jars, but you never know whether it is a chemical or just
water, which is why we must perform these tests. The result gives us a
better idea of how to handle what we have found.

"We separate the chemicals into acids, bases and unknown categories," he
said. "We know what doesn't mix well together and what has the potential of
producing heat. We weigh each container and draw samples to send to the
crime lab. We field test for the presence of methamphetamine manufacturing
che-micals, including ephedrine and pseudoephedrine."

Samples are then packaged, sealed and in some cases double bottled, in case
fumes are present and to prevent leakage, before they are sent to the crime
lab.

"We then contact our hazardous materials people," Andrews said.

"We contract the services of Freeman Environmental of Herrin to transport
and take care of hazardous waste. Often meth cookers will attempt to burn
the waste material, but there is always remaining evidence and that is what
we look for."

Processing a meth lab takes between six and eight hours, depending on the
size of the lab.

"We spend 40 hours training to become clandestine lab dismantlers," Andrews
said, "and we have to pass a written exam in order to become certified. We
spend another eight hours every year, in order to become recertified. We
also have to submit to medical examinations every year, to determine if
toxic levels in our blood stream have elevated. We are at risk every time
we are exposed to these toxic fumes and have to take extra precautions. The
medical exam determines if we have scars on our liver or lungs and if toxic
levels have increased. There is chronic exposure over a period of time."

Training involves learning what the chemicals used in meth manufacturing
are, the hazards associated with each chemical, and how to safely handle
each chemical.

"We practice a lot of different scenarios, how to use the equipment and how
to work with a suit and an air tank on," Andrews said.

"We are put into situations we may encounter in the field. We search cars
and crawl into attics, as part of our training. We also crawl through a
smokehouse, similar to what is used in firefighter training."

Dismantlers are also trained to look for booby traps, firearms and explosives.

Andrews said meth manufacturers are getting more clever, taking precautions
to seal a room used to cook meth to cut down on the smell, and are altering
rooms used to make meth, by using ventilation fans in the ceiling.

"Meth cleanup costs are paid by the federal government," Andrews said. "The
Drug Enforcement Administration brings teams to different locations to
train dismantlers, with expenses paid through grant funds."

- - Editor's note: This is the third in an occasional series on the
methamphetamine crisis.