Methamphetamine is a nightmare in more ways than one. What is Methamphetamine? Methamphetamine is a powerful central nervous system stimulant that is addictive, and destroys lives. The production of this drug is unfortunately made easily in clandestine laboratories with relatively inexpensive, over-the-counter ingredients.
These factors combine to make methamphetamine a drug with high potential for widespread abuse. It is a white, odorless, bitter-tasting crystalline powder that easily dissolves in water or alcohol. It not only destroys lives, it destroys propert
y and property values. Methamphetamine is a nightmare in more ways than one.
Methamphetamine comes in many forms and can be smoked, snorted, orally ingested, or injected. Moods are altered in different ways, depending on how the drug is taken, but the addiction is immediate and the user is hooked.
Methamphetamine is derived from amphetamine, which was used originally in nasal decongestants and bronchial inhalers. It causes increased activity, decreased appetite, and a false sense of general well-being. The effects of methamphetamine can last six to eight hours, which includes the initial "rush" and, afterwards, a state of high agitation that in some individuals can lead to violent behavior. The long term effects can shorten lifespan and result in death.
Methamphetamine is referred to as meth, speed, crank, chalk, go-fast, zip, cristy and many other names. For a complete list of these names, click here.
Methamphetamine is also called ‘Crystal Meth', for its crystal like appearance. An organization that has taken a strong initiative in educating people about the dangers of this drug is: The Foundation for a Drug Free World. They have a comprehensive website on every street drug imaginable, as well as this one on methamphetamine. Here is their webpage on Methamphetamine.
How is methamphetamine made? The processing required to make methamphetamine from precursor substances is easier and more accessible than ever. There are literally thousands of ‘recipes' and information about making methamphetamine on the Internet. An investment of a few hundred dollars in over-the-counter medications and chemicals can produce thousands of dollars' worth of methamphetamine.
Over-the-counter cold and asthma medications containing ephedrine or pseudoephedrine, red phosphoros, hydrochloric acid, anhydrous ammonia, drain cleaner, battery acid, lye, lantern fuel, and antifreeze are among the ingredients most commonly used in one recipe. The drug can be manufactured in a makeshift "lab" that can fit into a suitcase, which can make it even more difficult for law enforcement to catch.
One common recipe calls for large amounts of industrial and agricultural chemicals, which are either purchased or stolen. These chemicals are then used in large labs known as "super" labs. The average methamphetamine "cook" will annually teach ten other people how to make the drug.
Clandestine labs are found in rural, city, and suburban residences; barns, garages, and other outbuildings; back rooms of businesses; apartments; hotel and motel rooms; storage facilities; vacant buildings; and vehicles. Small portable labs are commonly referred to as "mom and pop" or "Beavis and Butthead" labs. Larger labs that are permanently set up and can produce up to 100 pounds of methamphetamine per cook are referred to as "super" labs.
What are the environmental consequences of methamphetamine labs? How do they affect property?
Each pound of methamphetamine produced leaves behind 5 or 6 pounds of toxic waste. Methamphetamine cooks often pour leftover chemicals and by-product sludge down drains in nearby plumbing, down storm drains, or directly onto the ground.
Chlorinated solvents and other toxic by-products used to make methamphetamine pose long-term hazards because they can persist in soil and groundwater for years. Cleanup costs are exorbitant because solvent-contaminated soil usually must be incinerated.
Cleanups of labs are extremely resource-intensive and beyond the financial capabilities of most jurisdictions or property investors. The average cost of a cleanup is about $5,000, but some cost up to $100,000 or more. As a Realtor, I have worked with investors who have acquired these properties, and worked to clean the properties up in coordination with the County Health Departments.
In some cases the houses were so far gone, they required demolition. However, in many cases, they can be restored to usefulness, to some degree, and when completed are often in a better health condition than the average home in the area in terms of air quality, duct and plumbing cleanliness, but the stigma attached to such a property is hard to shake.
For this reason, some Counties in Michigan do not post the meth lab property information online, but do make the information available if you call. A property can be condemned or not condemned, depending on the enforcement by the County, and the extent of contamination evaluated by the health department.
Information about Meth lab clean ups in Kalamazoo or Calhoun County Health Departments, which is where I obtained most of the information I included here. The links to the Health Department websites are:
Kalamazoo County Health Department
Calhoun County Health Department
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