At first glance it seems like a problem too rare even to worry about, and yet methamphetamine (meth) labs continue to raise concern in the onsite industry.
The concern is great enough so that the Washington On-Site Sewage Association has published a Meth Lab Fact Sheet for its members.
“This continues to be a persistent problem for our industry and for rental property owners, along with a growing issue in rural communities,” says an editor’s note to the fact sheet. “The important thing for those in our industry is to be aware and educate your employees on what to do when they recognize an issue.”
Methamphetamine has become a scourge, especially in rural areas. This illegal drug is a highly toxic and powerful central nervous system stimulant to which many users become addicted, with devastating consequences.
Not surprisingly, meth producers, wanting to avoid detection, often set up shop in isolated rural homes, where the byproducts of their operation are discharged to the septic system. “Manufacturing or ‘cooking’ meth can leave behind large amounts of toxic waste,” the WOSSA fact sheet observes.
Assortment of dangers
Meth labs are characterized by toxic chemical fumes, spills, explosions and fires. Waste dumped down the drain will destroy an onsite system and can expose service personnel to health hazards. “If you recognize that a system you are working on may be contaminated, you need to step back and regroup,” the fact sheet says.
“Exposures to high levels of contaminants found in meth labs can cause shortness of breath, cough, chest pain, dizziness, lack of coordination, chemical irritation, and burns to the skin, eyes, mouth and nose, and in severe cases, death.
“Symptoms such as headache, nausea, dizziness, and fatigue have occurred in people who entered a meth lab after the bust was completed, but before the property was properly cleaned and ventilated. If you experience any of these symptoms, contact your health care provider.”
Knowing the signs
As an onsite professional, you should watch for signs that you might be dealing with a property where meth is being made. One symptom may not indicate a problem, but several of them together should raise your level of suspicion.
You may detect a strong chemical odor coming from the house, a garage, or a detached building. You may notice that the occupants have made unusual efforts to cover the windows or have installed reinforced doors.
The property may have deteriorated, and you might see large quantities of trash, such as containers for antifreeze and drain cleaner, glass containers, and empty propane gas tanks. Residents may go outside to smoke cigarettes. Children or pets may look neglected, and the residents may act unfriendly or seem secretive about their activities.
If you suspect illegal drug lab activity is going on at a site you visit, you should contact local law enforcement, WOSSA advises.
What about the system?
If a property has been contaminated by a meth lab, you should not work on it until you contact the local health agency for guidance and that agency determines that the site has been properly decontaminated.
“No one should enter a place that has been used as an illegal drug lab without appropriate personal protective equipment unless the area has been ventilated and decontaminated,” the fact sheet says. “This includes servicing the onsite system.”
Methamphetamine is a serious problem, and its hazards are not to be ignored. Know what to look for, and know how to respond, so you can avoid putting yourself and your employees at risk.
