Pubdate: Wed, 18 Jan 2006 Source: Maple Ridge News (CN BC) Copyright: 2006 Maple Ridge News Contact: http://www.mapleridgenews.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1328 Author: Harry B. Battle Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?241 (Methamphetamine - Canada) CRYSTAL METH A THREAT TO ENTIRE COMMUNITY Editor, the News: Have you ever thought about the connection between your local stream and toxic waste from methamphetamine labs? Most people know that doing drugs will have negative consequences on their health, but they may not realize the harm they cause the environment. There is further harm done when our police, our medics, our firefighters are put in harms way when they respond to a potential meth lab. If they are not wearing hazmat suits, they could be killed. Simply inhaling one of the many chemicals used will cause severe burns to the throat and lungs, some irreparably. Our mayor, Gordy Robson, thinks he knows a lot about meth and its consequences, including the best way to treat the condition. He merely built a house, not to code, to treat addicts. What we need is a mayor who is really dedicated to the clean up of those criminals who seem to be growing in number each year. We need strong direction, funding, transparency and accountability. We also need guts in our judicial system. Unfortunately, the judges are not chosen by the people, but rather by political hacks serving some political agenda. If the Salvation Army and like services know the names of dealers and users, they should, by law, deliver those names. In doing so, they may reduce the danger to citizens and its law enforcement and health professionals. Methamphetamines, or meth labs, using inexpensive over-the-counter chemicals to process the drug, can cause soil and water contamination, threaten fish, streams and wildlife. For each pound of meth produced, five to six pounds of hazardous waste is generated, posing immediate and long-term environmental and health risks. For example, National Forest Service employees who have been in contact with meth dump sites have become ill. They could be mothers, fathers, sons or daughters you know. The waste contains chemicals like lye, red phosphorus, hydroidic acid and iodine. Some of this hazardous waste is dumped directly into domestic water wells, farmland and mine shafts, creating broader public health risks from contaminated water. It must be obvious that not just the addict is at risk, but the entire community. Students who know of dealers, or cookers, or users should advise the authorities, as should parents who may have the same information. Before this federal election takes place, please ask your candidates what their plans are, with specifics, because this issue is important to you and your community. As we can do nothing through the justice system, we may be able to effect change through our legislators. Harry B. Battle Maple Ridge - --- MAP posted-by: Larry Seguin