Meth Lab Cleanup – Envirotex Blog

How to Handle a Meth Lab Cleanup in Harrisonburg, VA

There are several processes and different combinations of chemicals used to manufacture or “cook” methamphetamine. Gases and vapors are produced at some time during the cooking operation. These gases and vapors can be distributed by the heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system. When these vapors are released, it presents a potential exposure hazard for occupants of the premises where the methamphetamine is manufactured. A meth lab cleanup by professionals in Harrisonburg, VA is the only safe method of removal.

A typical meth lab cleanup in Harrisonburg, VA involves:

Secure the property—Never enter the building if you suspect a meth lab. First, call the local law enforcement. A first responder hazmat teams will be called to remove the toxic and hazardous drug paraphernalia and chemicals. Professionals in Harrisonburg, VA are trained in the safe meth lab cleanup process and have the necessary equipment and protective clothing.

Ventilation—The Harrisonburg, VA site needs to be ventilated at least 24, preferably 48 hours prior to the meth lab cleanup. HVAC systems should be completely shut off before the remediation process to avoid re-contamination. Ventilation should be continued throughout the entire meth lab cleanup process in Harrisonburg, VA except when it interferes with air mentoring. After the meth lab cleanup, the property should continue to be ventilated for a minimum of 2 days after the cleanup.

Preliminary Assessment—All information must be documented in the meth lab cleanup plan which should record the methamphetamine manufacturing operation, the physical examination of the site to identify actual and potential hazards, the chemicals found on the site, the location of the cooking, storing and disposal areas, and any sites of contamination.

Removal—A determination will be made to either clean or discard contents. The EPA suggests gross removal and removal of all meth paraphernalia.

Vacuum—A HEPA filter vacuum will be used to vacuum floors after the removal of the carpet and the walls to remove particulate contamination before washing.

Pre-Washing—After items have been removed and vacuumed, the walls and hard surfaces will be washed with a detergent-water Bleach should never be used because of the reaction between the bleach and the chemicals used to produce meth can create a toxic gas.

Clean and Seal HVAC Systems—This should be done by ventilation contractors.

Thorough Detergent Washing—A cleaning of the ceilings, walls, floors and other hard surfaces should be cleaned with an all-purpose cleaner, no harsh chemicals because of the reactions of the meth chemicals used in production.

Sealing—Sometimes walls are painted to provide a protective barrier. It is recommended walls should be spray painted instead of hand rolled.

Flush Plumbing and Septic Systems—Because meth chemicals are frequently poured down drains and flushed in toilets, sinks, bathtubs, and toilets with discoloration and etching should be disposed of during the meth lab cleanup at the property in Harrisonburg, VA.

Any meth lab in Harrisonburg, VA is highly toxic and flammable. Some of the key ingredients used in the process of manufacturing meth may include:

Acetone
Lithium
Toluene
Hydrochloric acid
Pseudoephedrine
Red phosphorus
Sodium hydroxide
Sulfuric acid
Anhydrous ammonia

If you are ever at a property that has these chemicals, or other suspicious chemicals sitting around, get out and call law enforcement in Harrisonburg, VA. A meth lab cleanup should only be done by a professional meth lab cleanup company in Harrisonburg, VA.

Professional Meth Lab Cleanup for Lynchburg, VA, Property Owners

You may not know it, but you could be living in or near the site of a former meth lab. Cleanup of Lynchburg, VA, properties directly and indirectly affected by hazardous chemical residues while essential, is dangerous and requires a team of specially-trained, licensed, and certified environmental specialist like those at Envirotex Environmental Services.

The pros at Envirotex are compliant with the Virginia Department of Health Services, OSHA, and other existing regulatory agencies to perform state-of-the-art meth lab cleanup for Lynchburg, VA, clients. Envirotex also offers Methamphetamine Testing by GC/MS to compliment our robust menu of environmental services to help you keep your environment healthy and safe.

Meth lab cleanup in Lynchburg, VA, is an expensive, dirty, toxic endeavor that should only be performed by highly-trained, well-equipped environmental technicians. The highly-experienced Envirotex team works in partnership with federal, state, and local agencies, utilizing sophisticated safety, detection, testing, and remediation technologies, to bring environmental indicator levels back to EPA accepted standards so you can breathe easy.

While many insurance policies do not cover the expense of meth lab cleanup, Lynchburg, VA, property owners can trust the services of Envirotex to restore their home or business to health following discovery of a meth-lab. The incentive is clear – for every pound of meth produced, five to seven pounds of chemical waste remains. Those residues can cause health problems, ranging from breathing issues, skin irritation, and headaches, to nausea and dizziness. Over the long-term studies show people living with exposure to meth lab residue can develop liver and kidney damage, neurological problems, and an increased risk of cancer.

There is new legislation regarding the disclosure of meth lab cleanup in Lynchburg, VA. Virginia landlords are now required to tell prospective tenants whether their rental unit was previously used to manufacture methamphetamine, as well as whether the space has been professionally cleaned by a qualified contractor to meet state standards.

To learn more about meth lab cleanup in Lynchburg, VA, contact the highly-qualified meth lab specialists at Envirotex Environmental Services today.

Meth Lab Cleanup In Front Royal, VA, Demands Environmental Expertise

Professional meth lab cleanup in Front Royal, VA, is essential to safely decontaminate buildings where clandestine meth labs operate, are found abandoned, or raided by law enforcement.

Meth Lab Clean Up for Front Royal, VA — Courtesy of Crystalmethbc.com

There were 9,338 meth labs shut down by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) in 2014. These clandestine meth labs operate everywhere – in mobile homes, portable trailers, sheds, commercial buildings, and ordinary homes like yours and mine. They contain high levels of hazardous chemicals that demand meth lab cleanup in Front Royal, VA, involving intensive meth decontamination performed by highly-trained, licensed, insured and regulated environmental professionals.

Meth residue left behind from the cooking process contaminates the very pores of the building where it resides. Ingredients include common household products such as drain cleaner, cold medicine, lye, cooking fuel, and battery acid. Cooking methamphetamine produces five to seven pounds of toxic waste for every pound of meth it yields.

Every home that once housed a meth lab is, in essence, a hazardous waste site. Homes contaminated by methamphetamine toxicity need hard core, professional hazmat cleaning performed by environmentally knowledgeable experts. The alternatives are gutting the building interior provided the base structure is unaffected, or demolition.

Not only are the chemicals used to make the drug toxic, but meth lab cleanup is inherently dangerous because of the volatility of the chemical manufacturing process. That makes meth lab cleanup in Front Royal, VA, very costly. Forget insurance – it is unlikely your policy offers reimbursement for any loss or expense incurred in connection with a crime.

A 2014 law now requires all landlords, property owners, and home owners to disclose the prior existence of a meth lab on their property. In response to the law The Virginia Department of Health published consumer guidelines for meth lab cleanup so Front Royal, VA, residents can learn more about how to keep themselves safe and ensure they get the level of professional services needed to provide satisfactory meth lab cleanup in Front Royal, VA.