Pubdate: Mon, 27 Dec 2004
Source: Courier-Journal, The (KY)
Copyright: 2004 The Courier-Journal
Contact:  http://www.courier-journal.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/97
Note: does not publish LTEs from outside their circulation area
Author: Deborah Yetter

Series: Meth - A Rising Blight (Part 2E)

Toxic Hazards

METH LABS ARE PERILOUS, CAN SCAR ENVIRONMENT

Cleanup Costs Sap State Resources

Meth labs pose a significant environmental hazard because they use and 
generate such toxic chemicals as ammonia, hydrochloric acid, solvents and lye.

Methamphetamine labs create five to six pounds of toxic waste for every 
pound of drugs produced, according to the University of Kentucky 
Agriculture Cooperative Extension Service.

Volatile substances used can cause fires and explosions, a particular 
problem because labs typically are makeshift, set up in apartments, hotel 
rooms, outbuildings or even in vans or cars.

Waste from labs can contaminate vehicles, buildings, air, groundwater and 
well water, and it is linked to respiratory, kidney and liver damage and 
birth defects.

Most labs are abandoned when the operators are finished.

"Never enter what you suspect to be a meth lab," warns a booklet produced 
by the Cooperative Extension Service. "If you find yourself inside one, 
leave immediately."

Such operations are expensive to clean up, officials say.

Indiana State Police report that the cost of removing chemicals from meth 
labs is more than $4.5million a year, according to a state task force.

Kentucky estimates its cost at $500 a lab - a cost it has reduced 
significantly by using large storage containers at a single location to 
hold chemicals for pickup.

Before that, it cost at least $3,500 a lab - including the costs of keeping 
officers at the site until crews could arrive to pick up the chemicals, 
said Maj. Mike Sapp of the Kentucky State Police.

Meth labs often are located in remote or rural areas and pose a significant 
environmental hazard, the extension service said.

Anyone suspecting a meth lab or meth activity is encouraged to call the 
Kentucky State Police at (800) 222-5555.

In Indiana, the state police methamphetamine hotline is (800) 453-4756.

More information on meth and meth labs may be found at the UK extension 
service Web site: www.ca.uky.edu/heel/.
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MAP posted-by: Beth