Methamphetamine test

[Russell Spriggs]

Greg, I've investigated those and, if I was an Industrial Hygenist (IH) instead of an HI, I'd be satisfied using them.
As is, I want a lab to take the credit -or fall- for the decision, so I have Mike Cooper provide me with lab results. Minimizes my liability!

[Russell Spriggs]

Mike Cooper - Structural Narcotics Detection Service -- had been in Kalispell MT but has recently moved to the Bozeman area. His new contact info is below. He has a course you take before using his lab services, to be certified to do the sampling. I've always been happy with his service; tell him Russ sent you!
SNDS
Mike Cooper
P.O. Box 556
Belgrade MT, 59714
structuralnarcotics@yahoo.com

406-250-3970


Economical swab tests are available here. http://scottcompany.com/p-mrs.htm They don't give you any legal documentation, but are cheap enough to help you figure out WHERE to do the lab swab tests. Also, the possibility exists that these may give you false positives or false negatives. When you've got a home purchase hinging on your say-so, that's a lot of liability to assume. That's why I use Mike's lab.

[Steven C. Waskewicz]

Hi Russell,
I am so looking forward to the course you mentioned you were working on.
I know everyone could benefit from this information. Our local NACHI chapter had a Narcotics detective speak to us once last year, and he handed out a Video/CD that was frightening, when viewed, but informative, to say the least.
Bottom line to inspectors was to "have the owner/listing agent notify the authorities, and to walk away"
if you suspect a Meth presence...

[Russell Spriggs]

Steve, thanks for the encouragement!

Meanwhile, as Greg posted earlier - and I've mentioned in other threads - the best single learning source I've seen yet is www.drugfree.org/meth360.

[Joe Farsetta]

The problem is one of liability.

If you charge for any service and clear a house, only for smeone to develop an illness down the line, the liability will be staggering.

This is not like performing a radon test. If specific protocols for how, wwhere, and why have been specified by a governmental agency, and you follow those protocols and use a state accredited lab, and retain chain of custody, then fine.

If not... watch out!

These claims will make a mold claim look like a cheap date.

As to protocols, I'd say a combined DEA/CDC/EPA standard would be best.. if one exists. A NIOSH standard would pertain to those entering the site, as employees.

[Russell Spriggs]

Good info, Joe-
One reason why I never "clear" a house.

Also why I "sniff" for presence with swabs, before even suggesting a lab test.

Now it's determined (by a lab) that narcotics are present, and I'm done.

Hey, Joe, this may be a good time to let folks - especially newer members - know about ADRS . . .
I have to re-up on that, myself!!

[Michael Larson]

bump

[Greg Keene]

Russ - I never "clear" a house - I simply report that the areas that I tested indicate the presence or absense of meth (from cooking or smoking) at the level, as determined by the Colo legislature, that is considered unsafe. I also have a hold harmless clause in my agreement that says I don't notify any AHJ or law enforcement agency nor am I responsible for any decision they make and the client chooses what to do with the results. Much like radon, we only test for the presence or absense and at what level. The rest is up to the client. The only false positive from the test is if they were cooking or making Ecxtasy. My clients and agents like the fact that they have at least someone who can test and talk about it - I don't test in a manner that would be at the level of an IH nor for remediation - If I am really missing something here let me know - always use this BB or guidance.