Meth Lab Cleanup

Dealing with meth has been an ongoing epidemic for years. Sadly, it isn’t something that will be stopped anytime soon. In the meantime, Rock Emergency in Albany, NY has devised a plan to help restore the community and rid areas of homes previously used for meth production.

After the hit series Breaking Bad came out, everyone learned that meth labs can be anywhere. A clandestine drug lab (secret, illegal facility used to produce illegal products) can be a home, camper, car, shed, or even an underground basement.

Rock Emergency has been trained and certified for the expert removal of biohazard materials, including those that remain after meth production. Following all OSHA standards, and the guidance documents provided by the EPA, Rock Emergency will provide professional, expert waste disposal for any meth lab cleanup request.

Meth (Methamphetamine) is a highly addictive drug that is produced using toxic chemical components. In the process of “cooking” the chemicals produce harmful fumes that not only fill an area, but can also permeate into walls, floors, and belongings. 

Different ingredients can be used in the production and will vary depending on the manufacturer. Some ingredients include pseudoephedrine, ether, paint thinner, battery acid, drain cleaner, and ammonia. The drug itself can be made into crystals, powder, rocks, or tablets and used in a variety of ways.

The nature in which the drug is created makes the environment extremely dangerous. While many of these drug manufacturers get caught, there are even more labs that blow up due to an error in chemical mixing, or by trip wires/booby traps.

For those meth labs that get shut down by the DEA, there is a need for Rock Emergency in Albany to provide expert meth lab cleanup services. Following specific cleanup guidelines, the home can be restored safely to be liveable again.

The answer is YES! After a meth lab has been raided by law enforcement, the contents of the home are left. While the drugs themself may be confiscated by the DEA, other paraphernalia will be left along with the home. 

There will likely be toxic chemicals in the home as well as toxic fumes. During the process of cooking, smoke and steam are coming from the drugs that will seep into any porous surface (carpet, walls, furniture) as well as possible chemical spills on hard surfaces. HVAC systems, appliances, and plumbing can all also be affected.

Coming into contact with these harmful substances can cause an individual to become instantly sick causing headache, nausea, vomiting, and even death. Additionally, chemical burns can be caused if it makes contact with bare skin. Proper PPE is ALWAYS required to remove contaminated materials from a drug house.

The lingering effects of the hazardous waste can last for months to even years after the drug lab has been removed. Without proper meth lab remediation, the home can cause harmful side effects to anyone within the home including children and pets. Calling Rock Emergency in Albany NY is the only choice you have when it comes to meth lab cleanup!

The professionally trained crew at Rock Emergency has compiled a step-by-step process that is used to safely remediate any space that was used as a drug lab. 

**ALL steps are completed with proper PPE including protective clothing, glasses, masks, steel-toed boots, and gloves**

First Step - Examine the property both indoors and out. This process allows the crew to see the extent of the damage left behind as well as what chemicals and substances remain. Law enforcement will only handle so much, the rest is left to the professional meth lab cleanup company.

Second Step - Ventilating the area is a must. Getting any toxic fumes out and fresh air in will be extremely helpful to the working crew. If windows are unable to be opened, high-powered fans and HEPA filtered systems are used. Additionally, the HVAC system will be shut off to prevent further contamination throughout the rest of the home.

Third Step - Assessment and Scope of Work. During this step, a full assessment is completed including remediation sampling. It is imperative to know what substances are being dealt with to ensure no mishandling or causing any safety issues. It will also be determined what other necessary equipment is needed, the length of time it will take to restore, as well as a cost estimate.

Fourth Step - Decontamination Planning occurs during this step including taking a room-by-room account of what needs to be removed, cleaned, or marked as lab waste. Additionally, if rooms need to be closed off due to the level of contamination, they will be sealed during this step.

Fifth Step - Contaminated items are removed. This step will include larger items that can be removed from the home such as carpets, furniture, and other belongings that have or may have been affected by the meth lab. Often, these items need to be discarded using a biohazard process (which Rock Emergency is trained for). 

If items can be cleaned and restored, they will be taken to a facility for effective decontamination and disinfection. *The Environmental Protection Agency recommends at least 24-hour ventilation before going to the next step*

Sixth Step - Commercial-grade vacuuming of the floors and walls occurs during this step. Regular vacuums don’t usually have a HEPA filter, which is best to use during this type of cleaning. Everything should be vacuumed to help remove any remaining particles before the next step.

Seventh Step - Wash, wash, wash. Everything left inside gets washed with a cleaning agent (that doesn’t include bleach). This will include walls, floors, cabinets, counters, and everything in between. Even if it doesn’t appear soiled, it gets washed!

Eighth Step - Handling the HVAC system. Since it has already been shut off, it is no longer spreading volatile particles through the home. During this step, a full duct cleaning would occur as well as all filters changed. Once it has been thoroughly cleaned, it will get sealed to be sure no other contamination occurs during the remaining steps.

Ninth Step - Full top-to-bottom washing. Starting from the ceilings, going down the walls, and including light fixtures, outlets, and everything in between to the floor. This step will be completed multiple times until every surface and fixture has been thoroughly cleaned.

Tenth Step - Apply a new coat of paint and primer. This process will help seal the walls from anything that may be left behind. It can also help protect the walls from further damage. If anything needs to be replaced or repaired due to damage, this will be the step in which it is completed.

Eleventh Step - Evaluate the plumbing systems. Oftentimes, drug manufacturers will flush or pour down the drain different chemicals and substances. Depending on what that may have been, there could be damage to the system. 

Any tanks, catch basins, sinks, and pipes should be flushed and cleaned repeatedly. If there are any damaged pipes, a professional plumber may be called to complete the work once the home has been cleared.

Twelveth Step - Final testing of the home including surfaces is completed to ensure there are no longer any harmful substances remaining. The EPA has created a Voluntary Guidelines for Methamphetamine and Fentanyl Laboratory Cleanup document that is strictly followed by Rock Emergency. If for any reason the home does not meet these guidelines after final testing, the entire home is cleaned again, then re-tested.

Every step of the process is handled with care to ensure public health safety. All hazardous materials are disposed of properly and swiftly. If you or someone you know has an issue with remnants of a meth lab, call Rock Emergency for professional meth lab cleanup services today!