Contamination From Illicit Drug Laboratories

Precise Environmental offers its drug contamination services to the general public, commercial clients such as landlords, real-estate agents, body-corporates and building managers, the banking and finance sectors, solicitors, and government departments and agencies.

Our services include:
• Site inspection and assessment
• Provision of NATA accredited testing of swab samples and indoor air sampling
• Reporting and risk assessment
• Remediation.

Our dedicated team of scientists have the qualifications and expertise to professionally assess premises for chemical residues used in illicit drug laboratories. These laboratories can operate in residential, commercial and industrial premises, both owner occupied and rental properties. Illicit drug laboratories have been found in high-rise apartments, motel rooms and in both rural and city areas. The most commonly manufactured illicit drug is methyl amphetamine “Meth”. The active ingredient in Meth is pseudoephedrine and the chemicals used to extract this can include; acetone, lithium, toluene, hydrochloric acid, phosphorus, sodium hydroxide, sulphuric acid and anhydrous ammonia to name a few.

Exposure to these chemicals can occur via direct contact, ingestion and most commonly by inhalation, and there can be both short and long term health effects (e.g. eyes, nose, throat and lung conditions, dermal irritation, and neurological disorders). Often the young, elderly and those with immunodeficiency are the first to be affected however many of these illicit chemicals do not discriminate. A fit and healthy person can equally be affected.

Most commonly, gases generated from the manufacturing process absorb to internal building materials and can remain at concentrations that can pose health risks for extensive periods of time. Internal building materials such as floor, wall and ceiling coverings, furniture, ceiling fans, exhaust systems, air conditioners, ceiling and wall cavities and ducting can be contaminated from toxic gases. Plumbing fixtures, fittings and drains can be contaminated from the illegal disposal of chemicals in toilets, sinks, showers and baths. Chemical waste materials and apparatus left lying around yards or buried in yards are an additional source of contamination, as is the disposal of liquid chemicals in garden beds and across lawns.

Please contact our office for consultation and a quotation to assess your premises.