Offer meth testing without a laboratory.

[Russell Spriggs]

Looks like my memory is methed up-
Try this!

http://www.drugfree.org/Meth360/default.aspx

[dbucknavich]

Originally Posted by rspriggs

Looks like my memory is methed up-
Try this!

http://www.drugfree.org/Meth360/default.aspx

Thank you......tweeker.

[Jonathan T. Hittle]

If anyone has used the meth detective kits, I was wondering if used and a positive was drawn: What lab would you send it to for verifcation? I would like anyones input or ideas. This could be a great inspection service for our clients but I would like a solid lab to VERIFY! Any thoughts?
THANKS

[James E. Braun, CMI]

Agree but no thoughts other than Agree.

[jvogan]

What exactly does the test kit test for? The actual drug meth, or some of the much more caustic and harmful chemicals that are used in the manufacturing of it?

[jvogan]

The only reason that I ask, is because how much of the actual "drug" could be on the walls, floor, etc.? I think it would be much more reasonalbe to think that there would be much more concern about the precursors, rather than the actual drug, being on different things of the house.

[James H. Bushart]

Originally Posted by jvogan

The only reason that I ask, is because how much of the actual "drug" could be on the walls, floor, etc.? I think it would be much more reasonalbe to think that there would be much more concern about the precursors, rather than the actual drug, being on different things of the house.

True.

This service has nothing to do with home inspectors.

[jvogan]

bump

[Michael R. Boyett]

I bet one could get some pretty impressive training here:

DEA Dedicates Clan Lab Training Facility in Quantico

DEC 05 -- (WASHINGTON) – The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration unveiled its latest resource in combating the harmful and sometimes fatal effects of methamphetamine when it formally dedicated its new clandestine laboratory training and research center in a ceremony today in Quantico, Va.

The two-year construction project of the 31,600-square foot, $16.4 million building was overseen by the Naval Facilities Engineering Command in Washington.

“The opening of this new training facility demonstrates DEA’s strong commitment to help our law enforcement partners by providing them training, expertise, and the necessary tools to safely identify and dismantle meth labs in their communities,” said DEA Acting Administrator Michele M. Leonhart. “Officers and agents will learn the latest safety and tactical techniques to ensure not only their own safety but the protection of innocent citizens from this dangerous drug and its toxic effects.”

"Methamphetamine wreaks havoc on its users and their families, and clandestine labs can devastate neighborhoods," said Attorney General Michael B. Mukasey. "We have had great success in reducing the number of small domestic meth labs over the past few years. This new facility will allow us to train more of our partners in law enforcement, so they can continue that success while protecting themselves from becoming victims of the toxic environment the labs create."

The purpose of the complex is to provide a state-of-the-art facility for the safe and effective training of international, federal, state, and local government officials who are responsible for working in a contaminated environment caused by clandestine laboratories.

Since 1987, DEA has trained over 19,000 officials to operate safely in clandestine laboratories which are commonly referred to as meth labs. According to the National Clandestine Laboratory Database, since 1999 there have been 106,681 reported incidents in the United States involving contaminated meth laboratory sites.
In addition to providing training, DEA agents will also be offering classes so law enforcement officials can receive the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) certifications required prior to working in a contaminated environment such as a meth lab.

The new building includes a 2,200-square foot laboratory that will enable DEA chemists to teach students how to synthesize controlled substances, and to conduct research into the illicit manufacturing methods and techniques employed by clan lab operators. The facility also contains a two-story, 2,000 square foot structure where DEA instructors will be able to conduct raid training in a simulated clandestine laboratory.

[jvogan]

A lot of good a facility like that will do when they are disbanding all of the drug task forces around the country. This is the last year for ours...no more funding...it's all going to "terrorism". You are gonna see meth labs increasing across the nation due to this. But back on topic, does anyone know what these testers actually test for? I find it hard to believe that the actual drug meth would be on something...much more likely and dangerous that the precursors (acid, ammonia, etc.) would be in the carpet, etc.

[James H. Bushart]

Originally Posted by mboyett

I bet one could get some pretty impressive training here:

Give him a week. Ben Gromicko can have a 90 minute NACHi training film written, filmed, on-line and hyped that will give CEUs to graduates of this course and certify NACHI meth testers. Just don't be too picky about content or accuracy.

[jvogan]

Well, meth doesn't test positive for meth until the last stage of the process. I think it would not be responsible (assuming you could sell these inspections in the first place) to tell someone that the home tested negative for "meth" when an anhydrous ammonia container exploded in the basement and soaked the floor above with ammonia, or acid, or lithium, etc. Out west, they use red phosphorus to manufacture meth, here it is lithium and ammonia, among several other volitile, dangerous precursors. Those are the real dangers in these places, not the finished product, in my experience.

[James H. Bushart]

Originally Posted by jvogan

Well, meth doesn't test positive for meth until the last stage of the process. I think it would not be responsible (assuming you could sell these inspections in the first place) to tell someone that the home tested negative for "meth" when an anhydrous ammonia container exploded in the basement and soaked the floor above with ammonia, or acid, or lithium, etc. Out west, they use red phosphorus to manufacture meth, here it is lithium and ammonia, among several other volitile, dangerous precursors. Those are the real dangers in these places, not the finished product, in my experience.

Imagine the predicament of the "meth" inspector whose samplings missed a section of deep carpeting that had the poisons used to manufacture this drug deep beneath the surface...and the home buyer paying for the "negative meth test" allows her two year old daughter to crawl on the same floor.

This is where perception and drama collide head on with real life. A dead baby, a grieving parent and a contract with a disclaimer in the small print sit before the judge.

There are professionals for this. NACHI has no business turning people loose in this area any more than writing an SOP and proclaiming "certified" chimney inspectors.

Lives hang in the balance.

[Bruce A. King]

Jim,

Can we see an example of what you would have in your report in this case:

Vacant home with very strong chemical smell just in the master bedroom closet. The backyard has a pile of household debris (not yard waste) that appears to have been burned within the last year. Metal containers etc still visible but burned.
Several gallon jugs stored in the attic. Some of the jugs have been opened and are less than full. Some appear sealed and have standard factory drinking water labels present.

thanks!

[James H. Bushart]

Originally Posted by bking

Jim,

Can we see an example of what you would have in your report in this case:

Vacant home with very strong chemical smell just in the master bedroom closet. The backyard has a pile of household debris (not yard waste) that appears to have been burned within the last year. Metal containers etc still visible but burned.
Several gallon jugs stored in the attic. Some of the jugs have been opened and are less than full. Some appear sealed and have standard factory drinking water labels present.

thanks!

The inspection revealed a very strong chemical smell and other evidence from debris that was left behind from previous owner(s) that are consistent with homes that have been used for the manufacturing of certain illegal drugs.

The process of manufacturing drugs often leaves poisonous residue in the home that cannot be detected or identified in the course of a home inspection.

I recommend that, prior to close, you contact the local sheriff's department or the local Department of Health to arrange for testing and, if applicable, to determine the protocol and costs associated with the removal of any chemicals that might be detected.