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Meth Home Nightmare

Recently in my local newspaper, there was a story on a young woman with young children that found themselves very ill from the effects of a methamphetamine home. This young mother had bought what she that was her dream home for her and her children, it has become her nightmare. She had to vacate the home and has been forced into dealing with not only litigation against the seller but now also foreclosure on the property. I'm not sure if any permanent health problems for the children exist, but they all became very ill of the exposure from a year of living in the house. She finally realized what the problem was through research and contacting the local law enforcement agencies until she found that the county sheriff dept. made the raid that busted the meth cooking operation quite some time in the past.

I am new to AR, and I have found only a few posts on this subject at this point. This is a very serious health threat to ALL that enter a meth house. Even months later after the removal of the chemicals by the authorities that busted the cooking operation, the chemical residue left behind is very dangerous. Agent, Buyers, inspectors ALL who enter these properties are at risk.

I am researching testing methods to offer this as an additional service to my clients as well as my own personal safety. You would think that it would be obvious to spot a potential meth house by its location or condition, this may be true in some cases, but some meth homes have been busted in fairly nice upscale neighborhoods. I understand meth cooking and meth addiction is at epidemic levels in the mid-west of the country. Here in my part of the country, NE Ohio, many meth cooking operations have been busted and some locals are even talking about a public database providing info on the busted houses. That is all well and good to a degree. Not ALL meth coking operations are BUSTED. Many set-up shop in a rented house, cook for a while,(until the property is so contaminated the must leave), and then move on. The property owner/landlord may or may not know what happened, either way, a cleaning and fresh paint and the house is available to sell or rent again.

I am very interested in comment from all of you. I would like to know what testing services you may be offering, and what you provide with that service. I look forward to reading and responding to your comments. Please be patient with me though, I am new to this and this is my first blog post. Constructive criticism on the message content will be appreciated also.

Thanks for reading, Dave

Posted by David Holden DRH Home Inspection Akron, Ohio Summit on 02/26/2008 12:17 AM

Comments (64)

meth home, akron ohio, summit county ohio, inspections, home inspection, house inspection, akron realtor, summit county realtor

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64 Comments on Meth Home Nightmare

FEB

2008

It's tough to have one of the labs in your neighborhood. I had a listing next door to one. Luckily the police shut it down so I never had to deal with it but it was tough. All you had to do was look at the house and you knew. Then the smell is very unique and easy to pick out. I had to tell perspective buyers because it did effect the subject property.

Iexas our Sellers Disclousre has on it meth home or not. It becomes a disclousre item from the seller to the buyer. Clean up can be a nightmare. Good luck,

David, Good warning. This hasn't been a problem locally (yet), so most agents wouldn't know what to be aware of. Someone posted on this last year and it gave the signs to look for. If I bookmarked the post, I'll send it to you.

David,

Very good first blog. Here in White County we have a major problem with meth! Meth labs can be in any home, apartment, motel, car or whereever they want to cook. It is a growing problem. I sold a home last year, first time homebuyers, and I knew that the sellers had been in court for drugs. I don't know if they made it in the home, but they were users. I told the buyers, and gave them a number to call to get a meth inspection. They thought it over and did not want to call. I typed up a paper and had them sign off that I had offered them a meth inspection. The inspection costs $500.00, they didn't want it.

David,

This is a great first blog and a good conversation to get started. It's got depth and covers an important (and possibly overlooked) matter in real estate. Includes area/first hand account but yet is broadly applicable.

Congrats on your first post and welcome to the rain!

All the best,

Audrey

Thanks to all the comments so far. I appreciate the interest. I have discovered in my research so far that the typical "odor" that was very noticable before has been nearlt eliminated with "new" cooking methods these days. This makes simple detection even more difficult. Beware if you notice any signs of methh cooking and get out of the property until you can know for sure, your health may depend on it.

David- This is the first time I have seen this issue come up. I didn't know that there was a meth inspection. From mold to meth. Is there a meth inspection certification course? Are there meth mediation services?

David, First of all, Congratulations for joining Active Rain. The last time that I called in a meth house to metro, all thy asked was there any dead bodies around. Nevertheless, good post.

I'm in Colorado and just took my exams for my license. I believe we covered this topic in environmental hazards. We have specific requirements about disclosure, and remediation. For example, if your seller is aware of the evidence of his rental unit being used as a meth lab, he must disclose. However if he has had it remediated by a professional, and can prove that it is safe he is not bound to disclose unless asked....

or something like that...

I'm currently digging through my book in frustration trying to find it!

Mary Paul, how did you know they were in trouble for drugs? Do you run a background on sellers?

Mark, I am just starting to look into possible meth testing. I am not a where of any training or certs for meth. I have found some testing methods and swab kits at this point. From what I have discovered, remediation or cleanup is VERY expensive and difficult. Worst case scenario, the house may be torn down.

David, welcome to AR!

I was a Probation Officer for 5-years and took some classes on meth labs, however, I never came across one in the field. Now I'm in my 4th year as a home inspector. One of the counties that borders me is supposedly known as the meth capitol of the nation. So in 9-years I have never come across one. As a business investment I personally wouldn't look into meth lab testing, that is presuming there is an actual and legitimate test. I would contact your local law enforcement forensics department and ask if they know of such testing for occupant safety.

Joseph, I appreciate your insight. I have read many of your blogs, very good by the way, and I thank you for taking the time to read and comment on mine. With this problem at an epidemic level across the country, I suspect it might become more of a problem that home inspectors may be asked to help out with, we shall see. Thanks again for your comment.

FEB

2008

Congrats on joining AR!

Sounds like this family is a great candidate for Extreme Home Makeover... what do you say??

Hi David, thanks for the post. We haven't run across this problem yet. Our forms have a disclosure for meth but if someone is making meth, I don't think they're worried about disclosing it when they sell the home.

Out here meth labs are on a public website as well as status of the clean-up. So in that case where the police busted the lab, they would have "quarantined" the property until the level of meth was determined. I have heard of meth labs in nice homes (and seen them posted online). After cleaning the home, it has to be retested and show a "clean" sample.

I had no idea that Meth cooking left any contaminents behind. What does the odor smell like?

Nevada has a Meth Lab disclosure plus it's addressed on the Seller's Real Property Disclosure. It can be a MAJOR issue.

We have not seen many labs here in the last year or two. A new state law made it almost impossible for them to buy the products they need to make the meth. Being on an island it is hard for them to bring them in also.

Hi David - first, Welcome to Active Rain!

I've not encountered this issue before here in my areas, and I have to say I have no info on this. I don't even know what would be in the house that would make it dangerous for someone new moving into it, like the mother and her kids that you wrote about. I would think in areas where there have been some problems with this that they'd welcome someone like you to help them out.

Ann

Wow another thing to add to disclosures! In the mortgage business you sign the Patriot Act alerting all terrorists that they are going to have their name run through a governemt watch list. I can see it now. Are you currently a Meth producer or have you ever produced meth in your home? Do you think anybody will sign that one correctly? THEY ARE ILLEGALLY MAKING THE STUFF I THINK THEY WILL BREAK THE LAW ON THE DISCLOSURE

OK this is going to sound CRAZY but we had a CE course taught by a former detective that actually taught us HOW TO MAKE METHAMPHETAMINE, using the Nazi method. The theory was, that if we knew how to make it, we could spot the tell-tale signs of a former meth kitchen!

Strangest CE class I ever attended!

I believe the previous owners should be held liable for the ladies losses and potential financial hardship placed on her and the children if it is proven the seller was aware of the home being a Meth Lab.

Sean Allen

Hi David,

I periodically read about meth labs being identified by police in the rural counties around our area. I think it would be a great resource if the county sheriff's websites were to post a list of properties that are contaminated, so that buyers and renters can steer clear of those properties.

Great blog post and a very important topic. We have a huge meth problem here in Indiana. I attended a seminar in which a member of the drug task force from the county sheriff's office told us what to look for (and he brought samples) he said that the county health department is responsible for tagging meth houses until they have been remediated. Of course the county health department insists that this in not their responsibility. It seems the legislation is there, but the process isn't happening yet. I did find a site where the DEA lists addresses that have had seizures. http://www.usdoj.gov/dea/seizures/ But as stated in the disclaimer, they don't know if it was cleaned up. I also found some information at the Indiana Department of Environmental Management http://www.in.gov/idem/programs/land/drug_lab/ . They list contractors approved for testing and cleanup. Maybe Ohio has a similar program. And, hopefully they actually implement theirs.

Great topic of discussion. With disclosures for radon, mold, lead, etc...can meth be far behind? The only issue I have with all of our disclosures is that they rely upon the honesty of the owner of the property. In addition, the testing for radon, mold, lead, etc. can be expensive...many buyers just don't want to spend the extra money to test the property. There's gotta be a better way!

Great post! This will be a huge problem for us, I listed a property that had a meth operation in one of two homes on the property. I got a list of the busts in the area from the Sheriffs office so that I would know ahead of time instead of after taking the listing. The owners dismantled the home piece by piece, reusing the lumber because they saw no problem. It was difficult and expensive to find someone that was qualified to inspect the other home for posible contamination. The seller didn't want to pay for the inspection, and neither did the potential buyer. The seller "fired" me, and got their own buyer- do not know if they disclosed the hazard to their buyer. I did not want to be party to a sale that could jeopardize someone's health and/or land me in court.

I hear the stories about the effect of Meth but I have not run into the home that has had production inside. It is a concern and we need to have a way to protect the public form the situation Thanks for your post.

As stated above i've never been in one myself. What would it look/smell like. I would not have the foggiest idea. Seond i would not want a client to come back later and say you sold me a house that was meth infested. What a can of worms that would be.

Thank you for bringing this to our attention, David. As an EcoBroker®, I have to admit that my additional training did not include the effects of meth production on a home, so I did some research. I called the Environmental Protection Agency and asked if they had a web referral for where we can locate information on what to look for when entering a home which has housed a meth lab. The woman I spoke with put me on hold while she tried to find someone who could answer my question. When she came back on the line, she apologized for not having an answer, but she said that the local police department would be the ones to speak with.

Below is a website for a company that advertises testing for meth. They have an answer to the odor question that was brought up earlier by 'Noob'.

http://www.healthyairquality.com/Meth_Lab_Testing/Meth_Lab_Testing.htm How can I tell if there is a methamphetamine problem in our area?

Production of methamphetamine usually can result in strong odors that can smell similar to cat urine or fingernail polish. Large amounts of precursor chemicals such as antifreeze, lantern fuel, denatured alcohol, drain cleaner, and cold medicine containing pseudo ephedrine, along with glassware and coffee filters being purchased or stolen are another sign that there may be methamphetamine labs in the area.

If someone smells strong odors, should doors be opened or windows broken to relieve the odor for the criminal investigators?

No. Suspected methamphetamine labs should not be ventilated unless it is done by certified lab personnel.

Final comments: Remember that we, as REALTORS® are obligated to disclose this type of information if we are aware of it, and ignorance will not protect us in a lawsuit. Also, we, as REALTORS® are not experts in environmental issues. Our job is to have a list of professional inspectors, who are licensed, insured and backed by the Better Business Bureau ready to REFER to our clients. And lastly, I agree with Mary Paul, have your clients sign off on ALL inspections whether accepted or refused.

Great Blog, David, and welcome to ActiveRain :-)

This is a very real problem that touches all parts of the Country. It crosses all socioeconomic boundaries and happens in just about every neighborhood. Meth labs are not restricted to trailer parks and rural settings. You hear less about those that are found in upscale neighborhoods because those that live there want the information suppressed and have the ability to do so. There is little that we can do to protect consumers from this increasing problem other than demand full, and accurate disclosure when available. In cases where this disclosure is not available and signs are not evident, it would be near impossible to ascertain. What can we do to protect the consumer barring the availability of full disclosure or a lab staring you in the face? I dont think there would be much more we could do and, as one stated before, we can not become investigators in the process.

How did you know it was a meth home? We have not had this issue locally in central NJ that I know of.

This problem had never even crossed my mind. Thank you for bringing this up, good information from everyone. I am in Miami, FL. I am sure it happens everywhere, I just haven't run into it yet. I do a lot of BPO's on foreclosed properties and this is definetly something to watch out for.

We have a great meth home disclorue in california and the liability does fall on the real estate agents and the SEller. I had no idea that they could get so ill from the Meth home. Great article...Thanks

Wow! I had no idea about any of this. I knew Meth was a big problem in certain areas but I didn't think of considering it when buying a home. I have a lot to learn when I get back to the US and into real estate there! Very intersting reading the post and everyones comments.

Hi David, Excellent first post and congratulations on the feature. More information on how to know would really be good to post. I've been in a few foreclosed houses that scared me. There was nothing I could see or smell, but my eyes and nose started to burn. I got my client and her children out as fast as I could. This is a problem in our area also, so we really need to learn more about how to protect our clients and ourselves.

This is a nasty phenomenon! Like we didn't already have enough to worry about with simple things like roofs and mechanicals and such, but now this!

I see above that Karen mentioned the DEA's National Clandestine Lab website. I stumbled upon that website early last year while trying to research a burned house for someone who was interested in purchasing it for the land only. I discovered through that website it had been seized by the DEA. I actually called them and they were surprised I found the website. I was transferred around a lot but never got anywhere with it. Indiana, Michigan, and Ohio seem to be ultra prone to these labs. They are extremely hazardous, and we also need to remember that these people don't only use houses for their labs. You might be stopped next to one at the stop light tomorrow or your next vacation could lead you to a hotel that once had a lab.

I really didn't have much to add here, I just felt like I needed to put my two cents in. LOL

I used to do testing for all kinds of chemicals when I worked as a chemist. There are several test methods available depending on the type of sample. I know that you can order kits online to test for this and that there are several companies out there that test for this.

You can check this out if you like, http://www.skcinc.com/prod/560-002.asp

http://www.testclear.com/Methamphetamine-Residue-Identification-Test-P41C10.aspx

I showed a home a few years back that was later announced as being a meth lab. We noticed the smell, but really only thought that the people who had lived there had had cats. Also, there were cabinets over the stove and they were scortched. I'm guessing from the cooking of the meth, but I can't say that for sure. So far, that's the only encounter that I KNOW that I have had. It is a scary thing and would be nice if we all had little pocket meth test kits to tote around when we were out showing :)

I recently heard about this being a problem in hotels - and that the hotel coffee pots are sometimes used to brew meth. Here's an article: Think twice before using hotel room coffee pots

David very good first blog. Meth is a huge problem throughout the country. There have been some huge problems throughout our state, where homes that have been declared clean, have made the occupants sick. I apologize if I cover things that others have written, I have heard that there are testing kits for purchase. I would check with the local police or sheriff's department to find out where to get them. I think that disclosure would and should be required across the country, if someone knows that it was a meth house. Anyway great post, and welcome to Active Rain!

FEB

2008

Fortunately we have not personally had this problem. But we know of agents who have and it is a nightmare.

You know, even if a home wasn't used as a lab, just having been filled with the smoke of constant meth or cocaine smokers can be hazardous. It may get to the point where inspectors have to "drug test" the home.

First of all, thanks to everyone for the warn welcome to AR. I really appreciate all the interest and comments on this very serious subject.

I'm afraid that this epidemic problem is going to effect all of us at some point in time. I am trying to research and educate myself as much as possible, mostly to protect myself as well as being able to assist my clients. The story that I referenced was in the local paper, and provided details that where discovered by the buyer AFTER she bought and moved into the home. She eventually contacted the sheriff's dept. and was informed at that time that the house had been busted for meth cooking. A little late to find that out at that point. Local and State governments are the ones that will have to compile and provide a database for this information to be available, current and RELIABLE. I don't believe a national database will be complete and thorough information, especially TIMELY.

David - First of all Welcome to AR

Second of all, I don't remember the last time I actually sat and read every comment. This is very interesting and informative. I agree with David, from what I read this is and will continue to be a problem. I have never inspected or been aware of a home I have inspected to be meth related. This will definitely make me more aware of my surroundings. Maybe someone should start a group that is targeted to sharing information about this epidemic. This way we could have one place to go to obtain information and post links to where to obtain specific information.

FEB

2008

David: Very interesting post and I am doing what I can to learn more about this situation and how as a Realtor, I can be more aware of houses that have a previous history of meth. I was told by my local police that the only way to know where meth is happening in a given area in my market is to read the local newspaper and see where the drug busts are. There seems like more shouldl and could be done for the protection of the consumer and well, all parties involved in a real estate transaction for that matter.

MAR

2008

We are purchasing a bank owned house in a Las Vegas upscale neighborhood. I noticed a soot in a washed down pattern , and slight chemical smell in the 4 car garage. Sooty hand prints on the door leading to the house. A strange wash pattern exposing soil and separating decorative rocks in places where no heavy rainfall or pressure wash should be...with a resiny layer on the soil.

The house we were told by a neighbor was sold once in December but no owners took possession. In the following 3 months 2 families moved in and out before the end of February.

We are not familiar with drug making...But my handyman fell ill in one day working on the property after hosing the garage floor and tending to some 'leaks' in the bath drains. Oh, did I mention that a toilet was removed as well.

I have not seen the 'color' evidence on plumbing, but there are some small bright red stains on the carpet.

There are fragments of small toys. One would think the stains are kool-aid.

We are going to get a test kit.

Diane, Have you checked with local law enforcement to see if the property has been raided in the past? Locally here in Akron, Ohio and Summit County Ohio, the sherriff's Dept. keep records of such raids and what was removed from the property at the time. What you describe is exactly what happens, people get in from the chemical residue all over everything.

I have been researching testing options. I found this site that offers a swab test kit. Perhaps that might help you.

Let me know how things go with this, I am very interested. Feel free to e-mail me.

http://www.inspection-perfection.com/main/pages/meth%20lab.htm#Testing

MAR

2008

Another indication that the war on drugs isn't working! I'm sure that Meth is a terrible drug, but if it was legal and regulated it would be manufactured in a safe way were only the use of the drug was dangerous to other people. Having it illegal only forces the problem underground!

Bob Mitchell

ValueList Real Estate Services, Inc.

Bob, I'm certain that your are not serious!. Have you seen the effects of this drug on adults, not to mention the physical and mental impact on children. If you haven't see the effects check these photos out.

Check this YouTube video out. and This Video

Dentist sure would be in large demand, or rather denture techs.

Not to mention the children.

Heart Breaking

No, I'm certain that you aren't serious. Legalizing drug use such as this will only thoroughly and completely destroy our society. It is a WAR, and we can NEVER give up and give in.

APR

2008

David, great first post and such an interesting topic! Keep us posted on your research. And yes, meth is such a horrible drug. Our church has a program for different addicts and I have heard of so many families being torn apart by meth, but I have also heard amazing stories of people being totally delivered by the power of Christ and having their families restored. I see it every week and hear how their lives are changing.

APR

2008

David, Thanks for stopping by and the comment. The effects of meth use and making IS devastating to families in this nation. I'm glad to hear that there are some success stories! The power of God through Christ is truely amazing!

JUL

2008

Check out the Meth Gun just recently marketed by CDEX.
www.cdexinc.com

Costs $3,700 and scan immediately. Sounds impressive

Joe,

$$$$'s for the Meth gun, www.datachem.com has testing kit for Meth and less expensive than a Meth Gun, mention you do home inspections and I believe you get a discount on kits.

At www.kued.org type "Aftermath of Meth" and watch and learn more, this is becoming a big problem, more and more realtors are asking if we test for Meth . . . I do believe it will become a standard test soon required by informed buyers.

JUL

2008

Mike,

It all depends on the profit margin. If you charge $100 for meth detection and inspect 100 houses, here are the numbers:

Meth gun $100 x 100 = 10,000 - 3,700 cost = net profit $6,300

Meth kit $100 x 100 = 10,000 - 3,500 cost (assuming 4 day turnaround) = net profit $6,500

Of course every inspection over 100 is bringing $100 profit for the meth gun and $65 profit forn the meth kit. Also can hype instantanous results and don't have hassle of sending in kits and waiting for results. If meth testing becomes standard, seems like a no brainer.

AUG

2008

We live in a small community where Meth is a problem. I have not had to deal with it as

a agent but I am sure I will. I will be watching this post to see what I can learn.

AUG

2008

Hi David, I apologize if this has already been commented about but check out www.drugdetectivekit.com

They have an kit for inspectors for $39.95 that tests for 6 different drug residues.

AUG

2008

The story you've shared about the health problems caused by contaminated meth lab homes is true for thousands of families in the U.S. Unfortunately, my family knows first-hand about the problem. My youngest grandson, who will be 3 in September, is experiencing major health problems from living in a home that was contaminated by the meth contaminated home that he lived in. My son bought a home in TN in 2004 as a foreclosure and was never told that the home had been used as a meth lab by its previous owner. In 2007, he found out from neighbors that he, his wife, and his two young sons had been living in what is considered to be a "hazardous waste site". In the end, it cost him $16,000 to have his home certified as "clean" by the standards set by the state of TN. Testing alone cost him $3200.

I have started a blog site not only to share my son's unfortunate story but to help prevent others from suffering the same fate. If you have information that you'd like to share your thoughts, comments, or concerns, please feel free to contact me. Also, if you have any suggestions about how I can make my site a more valuable resource for Realtors, please let me know.

Thanks for spreading the word about the dangers of meth lab homes. They are much more common than most people realize!

www.methlabhomes.com

SEP

2008

I will definitely be adding this to my list of services!!!

OCT

2008

Hello David and Everyone,

There are some great entries in this blog and I am here to shed some light on the subject. First of all, my company has been in the meth testing business for about a year now. We are located in Akron, Ohio and all of our inspectors are HazMat Technicians and certified samplers. I don't have enough space to comment on all of the blogs, nor the time and I will probably get carpal tunnel from all of the typing, but I will say that getting into this type of business is very difficult...you have to know what to look for, keep up on the latest cooking methods and be able to test via air sampling and solid/liquid sampling. Hence the hazardous materials aspect. Right now there is very little out there about the testing and the actual remediation. Our hazardous materials and chemistry expertise assists us in that.

So, if you have any questions, PLEASE feel free to contact us. We do travel outside of our area to do testing and actually, we are very, very reasonable. You can see our prices and more information abou tour company at www.hazmatandmore.com. Again, please e-mail me if you have any questions or you can call me...my phone number is on the website.

Roy W.

safety elements, ltd.

Thanx for the info Roy. Will go check out your site now.

JUN

Homes that have been used as meth labs are a problem that is only going to get worse for home buyers, renters, and realtors. The down turn in the economy is inspiring many meth addicts to cook meth for their own use and for their friends. It's cheap to make and the ingredients are readily available and recipes to make meth are all over the Internet. Meth cooks are also finding ways to circumvent the laws restricting the sale of products containing pseudoephedrine, a necessary ingredient to make meth. If you don't know about the dangers of meth lab homes, I encourage you to visit my website. The site was created after my son found himself the owner of a former meth lab in TN.

One of the biggest problems right now is the number of foreclosed homes on the market. Banks are not being required to disclose the history of the home, even when that home is considered by the EPA and health agencies as a toxic waste site. People, especially children, are becoming very sick from the chemical contamination in these homes. I have begun posting interviews with some of these families on my site.

I think it's time that mandatory testing of homes be done BEFORE the sale is completed. Doing otherwise, has the potential of putting the health of innocent people at risk. How serious is the risk? The chemicals in meth labs can cause neurological damage, reproductive damage, respiratory distress, and cancer, to name just a few. The cost of the testing can be a little pricey, but the seller could just add that to the sale price of their home. In my son's case, the testing was $1,600. But, other contractors tell me that they can do it cheaper. I guess the slow economy is creating some price competition out there, which is good news for those who want to have a home tested.

If I had to make one recommendation that might give you a clue, if a home had ever been used as a meth lab, it would be talk to the neighbors! Meth lab homes comes in all shapes and sizes and are in all kinds of neighborhoods, so don't judge the book by its cover. Talk to neighbors, check police records, health department records.

Also, there is a link on my website to a company that is offering free pre-tests to anyone, anywhere in the world. Testing a home, where meth residue is most likely to be found, may give you a heads up about whether the home was a former meth lab. It might be worth doing before you show the home to an innocent family or someone who is thinking about buying the home out to rent it.

methlabhomes.com

NOV

I live in Seattle and my father lives in LA. He owns a rental home in reno, nv which became vacant in July. He dired a property manager to clean up the house to ready it for rental and found that the house is horribly damaged. My dad and I came to reno to inspect the house and I feel that it was possibly used as a drug lab. there are needles stuck in the lowered ceiling panels, a metal grate door blooking off a basement doorway and the whole house reeks of ammonia and cat pee. Who do I contact to get testing? I have located a certified clean up company and gotten the police history on the house for the past 5 years. although the police history doesn't show any drug problems, I feel that there was definate issues here. I have a cash offer on the house pending title clearance, so how do I find out if this property is on a list of meth labs? the police department has never heard of such a list.

thanks

Mary

Hi Mary, What you describe sounds like meth cooking has taken place in the home. Unfortunately, not all locals have taken this problem serious and do not track properties that have been used for this. Here in Ohio, the problem has become so serious and such a health threat, that many cities and counties have begun to track properties that have been discovered and busted. If the property was used to make meth but never busted by the police, than no possible record of it exists. I don't know of any companies in the Reno area that do this kind of testing. Check this company out and see if this may be of some help http://hazmatandmore.com/index.html. Good luck and be careful, if chemical residues exist it can be very dangerous to your health with even a short amount of exposure. Find a good Realtor or Attorney in the area to help with the transaction to be sure you are protected and full disclosure is made of what you KNOW, not guess or think may be.

Dave

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