REDUCING RISK OF EXPOSING CHILDREN TO DRUG LABS

Home -based methamphetamine production has led to an increased risk that
children of meth users/producers will be exposed to the toxic production
process and the drug itself.

Professionals in the fields of child welfare, emergency medicine,
pediatrics, public health and environmental health need to have an
understanding of issues involved in the care of drug-endangered children and
how to better care for them.

Children exposed to environments such as methamphetamine production have
unique needs because children are not small adults. Children differ
dramatically in their cognitive, emotional, physical and developmental make
up from adults. The degree of differences depends on their age and
developmental stage, and therefore requires special attention and
management.

Specific Risks to Children

Systemic absorption of chemicals or injury may occur by one or more of the
following routes of exposure

Inhalatio Skin Exposur Ingestion (swallowing Injectio

Inhalation and/or skin exposure are the most likely routes of contamination
for persons exposed to a drug-lab environment.

Young children living in drug lab environments are generally in closer
contact with contaminated surfaces, including the floor. This increases
their exposure to dangerous toxic chemicals that could be absorbed into the
child's body through the skin.

Because infants and toddlers are usually crawling around on the floor they
are at greater risk for ingestion or absorption than adults Children living
in homes that produce or store methamphetamine are likely to be around gases
and fine powders that are easily inhaled.

Safeguarding Children.

In the province of Alberta, the local Child and Family Service Authority
ensures that children receive an immediate and appropriate medical exam,
including testing for exposure to toxic chemicals and developmental
screening. Upon being removed from the lab, the children are showered or
bathed according to safe and recommended procedures in order to reduce
chemical exposure. They are provided with new clothing, food and counseling.
A forensic interview will be conducted with the child, most often in a
child-friendly environment. The medical exam and interview provide important
evidence to be used in the drug prosecution and child welfare court
application.

By working together the risk to the child can be lessened and the road to
recovery started.