What is a methamphetamine seized laboratories at private residences, pose risks not only to the individuals Inhalation.
Inhaling chemical
laboratory? commercial properties, hotels and producing the drug but also to anyone vapors and gases resulting from
A methamphetamine laboratory is an motels, and outdoor locations. Mobile in the surrounding area, including methamphetamine production
illicit operation that has the apparatus laboratories have been discovered in children, neighbors, and passersby. causes shortness of breath, cough,
and chemicals needed to produce the automobiles, boats, and luggage. and chest pain. Exposure to these
Even when fire or explosion does
powerful stimulant methamphetamine. not occur, methamphetamine produc- vapors and gases may also cause
(See list of products and equipment.)
What are the signs that a tion is dangerous. Simply being intoxication, dizziness, nausea,
These laboratories vary dramatically in methamphetamine laboratory may be exposed to the toxic chemicals used to disorientation, lack of coordination,
size and output. Large laboratories, present? produce the drug poses a variety of pulmonary edema, chemical pneu-
known as super labs, produce 10 The following, often in combina- health risks, including intoxication, monitis, and other serious respira-
pounds or more of the drug per produc- tion, may indicate the presence of a dizziness, nausea, disorientation, lack tory problems when absorbed into
tion cycle. Much smaller laboratories— methamphetamine laboratory: of coordination, pulmonary edema, the body through the lungs.
sometimes called box labs—produce ! Unusual odors (ether, ammonia, serious respiratory problems, severe Skin Contact. The chemicals used
as little as an ounce or less of the drug acetone, or other chemicals) chemical burns, and damage to inter- to produce methamphetamine may
and are small enough to fit in a box or nal organs. cause serious burns if they come into
! Excessive amounts of trash, particu-
backpack. contact with the skin.
larly chemical containers (see list of
How common are they? products and equipment), coffee
filters or pieces of cloth that are Chemical Hazards
Methamphetamine laboratories are
increasingly prevalent throughout the stained red, and duct tape rolls Pseudoephedrine Ingestion of doses greater than 240 mg causes hypertension, arrhythmia, anxiety, dizziness,
United States. In 2002 more than 7,500 ! Curtains always drawn or windows and vomiting. Ingestion of doses greater than 600 mg can lead to renal failure and seizures.
laboratories were seized in 44 states, covered with aluminum foil or black- Acetone/ethyl alcohol Extremely flammable, posing a fire risk in and around the laboratory. Inhalation or ingestion of
according to the Drug Enforcement ened on residences, garages, sheds, these solvents causes severe gastric irritation, narcosis, or coma.
Administration (DEA) El Paso Intelligence or other structures Freon Inhalation can cause sudden cardiac arrest or severe lung damage. It is corrosive if ingested.
Center National Clandestine Laboratory
! Evidence of chemical waste or dumping
Seizure System. While methamphetamine Anhydrous ammonia A colorless gas with a pungent, suffocating odor. Inhalation causes edema of the respiratory
tract and asphyxia. Contact with vapors damages eyes and mucous membranes.
production remains most common in the ! Frequentvisitors, particularly at
western portion of the United States— unusual times Red phosphorus May explode as a result of contact or friction. Ignites if heated above 260°C. Vapor from
particularly California—seizures of ignited phosphorus severely irritates the nose, throat, lungs, and eyes.
! Extensive security measures or
methamphetamine laboratories in the Hypophosphorous acid Extremely dangerous substitute for red phosphorus. If overheated, deadly phosphine gas is
west central part of the country have attempts to ensure privacy (no released. Poses a serious fire and explosion hazard.
become more commonplace. trespassing or beware of dog signs,
fences, large trees or shrubs) Lithium metal Extremely caustic to all body tissues. Reacts violently with water and poses a fire or explosion
hazard.
Where are methamphetamine ! Secretive or unfriendly occupants Hydriodic acid A corrosive acid with vapors that are irritating to the respiratory system, eyes, and skin. If
laboratories found? ingested, causes severe internal irritation and damage that may cause death.
Methamphetamine laboratories may What hazards are associated with them?
Iodine crystals Give off vapor that is irritating to respiratory system and eyes. Solid form irritates the eyes and
be located virtually anywhere. The chemicals used to produce may burn skin. If ingested, cause severe internal damage.
Laboratories have been found in methamphetamine are extremely
secluded rural areas as well as in resi- hazardous. Some are highly volatile Phenylpropanolamine Ingestion of doses greater than 75 mg causes hypertension, arrhythmia, anxiety, and dizziness.
Quantities greater than 300 mg can lead to renal failure, seizures, stroke, and death.
dential, commercial, and industrial and may ignite or explode if mixed or
districts. Law enforcement officers have stored improperly. Fire and explosion Source: DEA Office of Diversion Control.
Ingestion. Toxic chemicals can be
ingested either by consuming contam-
inated food or beverages or by inad-
Products Used in
Methamphetamine Production
Other products of interest:
, Methamphetamine Fast Facts
Methamphetamine
vertently consuming the chemicals
directly. (Young children present at
laboratory sites are at particular risk
Acetone
Alcohol (isopropyl or rubbing)
,Crystal Methamphetamine Fast Facts
Laboratory
IDENTIFICATION
of ingesting chemicals.) Ingesting toxic Anhydrous ammonia (fertilizer)
chemicals—or methamphetamine Ephedrine (cold medications)
itself—may result in potentially fatal Ether (engine starter)
poisoning, internal chemical burns, Hydrochloric acid (pool supply)
and HAZARDS
damage to organ function, and harm Iodine (flakes or crystal)
to neurological and immunologic Kitty litter
functioning. Lithium (batteries)
Fast Facts
In addition, methamphetamine Methanol (gasoline additive)
production threatens the environment. MSM (nutritional supplement)
The average methamphetamine labora- Pseudoephedrine (cold medications)
tory produces 5 to 7 pounds of toxic Red phosphorus (matches or road flares)
waste for every pound of methamphet- Salt (table or rock) For more information on illicit drugs
amine produced. Operators often Sodium hydroxide (lye)
Sodium metal
check out our web site at:
dispose of this waste improperly, sim-
ply by dumping it near the laboratory. Sulfuric acid (drain cleaner)
Toluene (brake cleaner)
www.usdoj.gov/ndic
This can cause contamination of the
soil and nearby water supplies. Trichloroethane (gun cleaner) National Drug Intelligence Center
319 Washington Street, 5th Floor
Equipment Used in Johnstown, PA 15901-1622
What can I do? Methamphetamine Production Telephone: 814-532-4601
If you suspect that someone in your FAX: 814-532-4690
Aluminum foil Pails and buckets
neighborhood is operating a metham- NDIC Washington Liaison Office
Blenders Paper towels 8201 Greensboro Drive, Suite 1001
phetamine laboratory, report your
Cheesecloth Plastic storage McLean, VA 22102-3840
concerns to the local police depart-
Clamps containers Telephone: 703-556-8970
ment or sheriff’s office immediately.
For your own safety, do not investi- Coffee filters
Funnels
Propane cylinders
Rubber gloves
FAX: 703-556-7807
NDIC publications are available on the following web sites:
Questions
and
gate the suspected laboratory or
Gas cans Rubber tubing ADNET http://ndicosa
confront the occupants. In addition to
Ice chests Strainers LEO home.leo.gov/lesig/ndic
the hazards discussed above, many
laboratories are equipped with secu-
rity devices or booby traps that could
Jugs and bottles
Laboratory
beakers and
Tape
Tempered
glassware
RISS
INTERNET
ndic.riss.net
www.usdoj.gov/ndic Answers
cause serious injuries or death. Call 814-532-4541 National Drug Intelligence Center
glassware Thermometer to request NDIC products a component of the
Measuring cups Towels and bed U.S. Department of Justice
sheets
NDIC Product No. 2004-L0559-001
122203
Cover photo: Snohomish Regional Drug Task Force (WA)
