Toxic meth labs could cause thousands of dollars in damage

WASILLA -- Landlords, home-owners and hotel operators in the Mat-Su may risk thousands of dollars in property damage by unwittingly renting buildings or rooms to manufacturers of clandestine methamphetamine, otherwise known as meth, crank, glass, crystal and ice. Small meth labs, which are often run in apartments and other rentals, are usually highly toxic and often violently explosive, sometimes causing entire homes to burn to the ground.

According to toxologist Mike Anderson of Anchorage, incidents of reported meth labs in the Valley are on the rise.

"Last year we had about 30 or 40 different cases between two cleanup companies," Anderson said, "This year alone our company had 15 cleanups in one month alone. In one night we had four."

Anderson's company, Environmental Compliance Consultants, contracts with the Drug Enforcement Administration to remove the chemicals seized at the meth lab sites. The labs often contain corrosive and flammable chemicals, which are mixed together in milk jugs and mason jars. Anderson said the meth lab sites are usually so toxic that cleaners must go into the site with full face respirators.

The cost to homeowners can be substantial, usually requiring the removal of carpet and paint, along with other porous objects such as mattresses and curtains. Normally, the paint on the walls must be completely scraped clean and repainted, and sometimes the drywall itself must be torn out before the residence is safe to occupy again. Fires are another concern.

"Last year we had two residences that burned down," Anderson said. Anderson's company provides services for the entire state in meth lab cleanups and inspections. He estimated that more than 40 present of all his business comes from the Mat-Su.

"They are by far our biggest customers," he said.

The Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation produced a plan to deal with meth labs, which requires testing and certification to deem a former lab as fit-for-use. Even after the chemicals are removed from a dwelling, however, the dangers associated with living in a past lab site are difficult to determine.

"I've had a couple people complain of respiratory problems after living in a former lab site," Anderson said. Anderson said the meth itself has devastating effects on the tissue and organs of users and will likely have the same effects on those exposed to the hazards, especially children.

Some materials used to produce meth are known carcinogens (cancer causing agents) and others can cause birth defects in fetuses. Regular users of the drug risk catastrophic health damage.

"There's about a five-year life expectancy for heavy meth users," Anderson said.

After Anderson's company removes the toxic chemicals, they are sent to a licensed disposal place in Anchorage, before being shipped to the Lower 48, where the chemicals are neutralized in specialized facilities.

Indicators of a meth lab include strange odors and unusual items in the garbage, like matchbook covers with the striker plates removed, solvents and blister packs of cold medicine, along with bottles with tubes coming out of them. For those suspecting methamphetamine labs on their property, the Mat-Su Drug Team encourages them to call them at 373-0705, during normal business hours. For emergencies, it is best to call 911.

Contact Joel Davidson at joel.davidson@frontiersman.com.