Meth and Fentanyl testing

At Advantage Environmental Inc. (AEI), our team helps to locate and identify the presence of illicit drug contamination. Traces of fentanyl on the walls or furniture can cause respiratory issues, nausea, headaches, and even behavioral changes to the persons in or around that property. The widespread meth and fentanyl use has impacted real estate and rental markets throughout the region, as property buyers in the state of Oregon and Washington may be liable for unknown drug contamination clean-up and potentially health effects. To address this, EPA researchers investigated methods to degrade fentanyl safely in real-life remediation efforts by determining what effective mechanisms exist to clean an area contaminated with methamphetamine and fentanyl. Much like meth, when fentanyl is manufactured or used, it leaves residues that can have extremely harmful health effects through 3rd hand exposure. Residues can become airborne and breathed in. While emergency situations involving illicit drugs can occur, our knowledgeable and experienced team is here to assist property owners with professional guidance and effective solutions to address these challenges. Some situations may include a buyer looking to purchase a home, rental property or a building owner that wants to reoccupy a residence, our team is dedicated in helping get to the solution. With safety being critical, AEI has procedures in place to ensure all parties can do the work safely and harm free without cross-contamination. Methamphentamine Testing The production and use of methamphetamine (meth) across the United States continues to pose considerable challenges to our nation. Meth is easy to make, is highly addictive and its production and use can have serious impacts on both human health and the environment. Our nation first demonstrated its commitment to better understand the hazards associated with meth labs in March 1990, when the Joint Federal Task Force published the Guidelines for the Cleanup of Clandestine Drug Laboratories. • Meth labs can be set up almost anywhere and are often found in private residences, motel and hotel rooms, apartments, trailers, automobiles, campgrounds and commercial establishments. Labs are also found in rural outbuildings, barns and other structures that may appear uninhabitable.

• There are many ways to make meth, and the precursor chemicals, by-products and hazards associated with each production method differ Property owners may not realize the lasting impact smoking methamphetamine or illicit drugs can have on a residence. Residue from substances like methamphetamine doesn't simply disappear over time. Instead, it can permeate porous and hidden areas throughout the home. Without proper cleaning and remediation, tenants may experience symptoms such as skin irritation, headaches, respiratory issues, and even behavioral concerns like ADHD, as noted by the National Alliance for Endangered Children. Porous building materials, such as carpets, rugs, and exhaust fans, are especially vulnerable to absorbing these residues. Depending on the sampling results, porous materials, appliances, light switch covers, and vent hoods may need to be designated for disposal, as cleaning methods may not be cost-effective. Ultimately, the building owner may decide whether certain objects are cleaned or disposed of.

How Contamination Spreads

How Contamination Spreads The contamination of methamphetamine in a residence is most common from smoking. The smoke follows air currents, travels through the cold-air return and into the furnace, which then distributes throughout the building. Causing unknowing tenants being exposed in rental complexes. Effects on children According to the Department of Justice (DOJ) Office of Justice Programs (OJP), children who live in or visit meth labs or are present during drug production face acute health and safety risks. The age-related behaviors of young children (such as frequent hand-to-mouth contact and physical contact with their environment) increase the likelihood that they will inhale, absorb or ingest toxic chemicals, drugs or contaminated food.
Signs of illicit drug use or manufacturing
It may be concerning to know that any residence could have been a drug lab. Here are a few things to look out for:
• Lack of cleanliness
• Suspicious Odors
• Unusual Trash or Litter
• Yellow or Red staining on flooring, carpeting, and countertops
• Hoarding supplies/ingredients (i.e. Over the counter medication, Hydrogen Peroxide, Ammonia, Batteries, Matches, Rock salt, Q-tips, Torches)
• Empty Jars and bottles
• Burnt vegetation, pits, and buried waste

Fentanyl Testing

In March 2016, the Drug and Enforcement Administration (DEA) issued a nationwide alert about fentanyl stating that overdoses were occurring at alarming rates and represent a significant threat to public health and safety. Fentanyl is a potent synthetic opioid drug approved by the FDA for use for anesthetic or pain relief. Since a small amount of fentanyl can be deadly, the use and production of various fentanyl-containing products can lead to extensive contamination of fentanyl within homes, vehicles, and clandestine drug laboratories. Drug-contaminated structures, homes, and buildings pose a threat to human health, threaten community revitalization efforts, and pose challenges to all levels of first responders.