METH LABS ESPECIALLY HAZARDOUS TO ALL AROUND

Law enforcement officers raided two methamphetamine laboratories in Johnson
County during the past week. Sheriff Roger Gentry said the new discoveries
bring to nine the total number of illegal meth labs uncovered this year.
The sheriff said methamphetamine abuse is now the worst drug problem in the
county.

Methamphetamine has long been a problem for the West Coast. During the past
decade, illegal methamphetamine labs have gradually migrated east.

One area where methamphetamine has found a comfortable new home is
mountainous Johnson County.

"They like to set up in rural areas, along county roads where they can get
in and out without attracting attention," said Kenneth Phillips, 1st
Judicial District Drug Task Force director.

The DTF works with the Johnson County Sheriff's Department and the Mountain
City Police Department in trying to stop the growing, new problem.

The traffic in methamphetamine provides some new challenges for law
enforcement. One problem is that all the ingredients for making the drug
are readily available at the local drugstore and chemical supply company.
None of the chemicals are illegal, but many are dangerous.

Those dangerous chemicals are a threat for law enforcement officers and
anyone else who comes near the location.

There are several ways methamphetamine can be made in these small labs, but
all of the methods use some hazardous chemicals.

The most common manufacturing method uses iodine and red phosphorous. This
method produces hydriodic acid. Vapors from this acid are irritating to the
respiratory system, eyes and skin. If the acid is ingested, it can cause
severe internal injuries and even death.

Iodine is also a dangerous chemical if handled improperly. While most
people are familiar with tincture of iodine, that product contains only 2
percent iodine.

The pure iodine crystals used to manufacture methamphetamine can irritate
and burn human skin and can cause permanent damage if it gets in the eyes
or lungs. Inhalation is a particular problem because iodine turns to a gas
at 68 degrees Fahrenheit.

There is also a high risk of fire in the labs because acetone and ethyl
alcohol are used as solvents. These are extremely flammable.

An even more dangerous situation for firefighters can occur when these labs
use lithium. This metal is extremely caustic to all body parts and can
explode when exposed to water. Some labs have been known to use sodium,
which is even more dangerous in water than lithium.

Because of these hazards, special training has been provided to some law
enforcement officers. Only these specially trained officers, wearing full
protective suits, are allowed to remove the chemicals from a lab that has
been seized.

Seven of these technicians, from the DTF, the Tennessee Bureau of
Investigation and the federal Drug Enforcement Administration, were called
in to remove the chemicals from the latest Johnson County meth labs.

Phillips said the cost of each cleanup ranges from $3,500 to $10,000. The
federal government pays for the cleanup. Phillips said prosecutors will
request that those convicted of manufacturing methamphetamine be required
to reimburse the cost of the cleanup as part of their restitution.

Along with the usual drug charges placed in this week's arrests, the
officers also charged a woman with child abuse and neglect.

Phillips said the charge was placed because the woman kept her child in the
residence that contained the meth lab.

As dangerous as the chemicals can be to adults, the effects can be even
worse for children. The U.S. Department of Justice reported in an
information bulletin earlier this year that a child's developing brain and
other organs are more susceptible to damage from these chemicals. Children
are also less able to process and eliminate toxic chemicals than adults.

A child exposed to these chemicals may suffer organ damage and cancer. Many
children who have been found in meth labs also exhibit emotional and
behavioral problems that may be related to the influence of the chemicals.

While narcotics officers say all illegal drugs are dangerous, there is
little doubt that methamphetamine seems to be one of the most dangerous,
not only for the abuser but for those trying to enforce the law and for
innocent citizens who may come into contact with the hazardous chemicals
used in its manufacture.