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Public Health Solutions
District Health Department
995 East Hwy 33, Ste 1
Crete, NE 68333-2562
888.310.0565
Webmail »
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Meth Labs: chemical residue and health risks
Meth is made by mixing household chemicals that are used to unclog your drain, clean your car engine, power batteries, fertilize crops, power batteries, and manufacture fireworks. Every pound of meth produced leaves behind about 6 pounds of toxic waste. Residue from the 'cooking' process can contaminate surfaces nearby, including air ducts, for years. This residue can cause a variety of health problems, including irritation to the eyes, skin, nose and throat, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, cancer, coughing, stomach problems, muscle pain, headaches, birth defects, kidney damage, etc.
As per Neb. Rev. Stat §§ 71-2432, 71-2433, 71-2434, 71-2435...
Law enforcement officials who respond to a suspected meth lab must:
- Report the lab to the PHS District Health Department so we can take appropriate action.
- Place hazard signs on the property (Sign 1, Sign 2).
- Prevent people from entering the property until PHS has released it for occupancy or resale*.
*If you live in or own a proprerty where meth was cooked, you will not be allowed to occupy it, rent it, or sell it until it has been properly decontaminated and tested for residue levels.
The property owner of a meth lab that was acted on by law enforcement authorities MUST contact PHS District Health Department immediately to get started with a decon plan. Only PHS can release a property from being held from occupancy or resale**
**Our compliance assistance fee is currently set at $150 per property.
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Other resources for clean-up:
http://www.kci.org/meth_info/meth_cleanup.htm
http://dhs.wisconsin.gov/eh/ChemFS/fs/MethClnUp.htm#GenGuide
http://www.idph.state.ia.us/eh/common/pdf/hseess/meth_lab_cleanup.pdf
http://www.kdheks.gov/methlabs/ml_cleanup.html#cleaned
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