There are several stories about meth labs catching fire or exploding, but even if these dangers are avoided, there still exists the danger of toxic exposure. Methamphetamine, or crystal meth, is cooked in homemade meth labs that are often found by police in homes, apartments, barns, abandoned buildings, and RVs. This drug is highly addictive and with long-term use, can damage the brain and other organs. People use meth because this substance makes the user feel high with feelings of energy and euphoria.
Meth is fun for the user at first, until the positive effects wear off and the user finds themselves needing to take increasing amounts of meth each subsequent time to experience the same effects. The brain can build up a tolerance to meth relatively quickly and so the user has to up the dosage or they will begin to feel unable to experience pleasure or happiness. This is because meth affects the pleasure receptors in the brain and when these receptors are overused in the wrong way, they become dependent on the substance that stimulates them, meth, to function normally.
However, the long-term effects of meth are worse on the body and include skin sores, depression, memory loss, increased heart rate, insomnia, seizures, strokes, hallucinations, paranoia, violent behavior, impaired speech, and in some cases, death. This is part, due to the fact that meth is created with toxic chemicals like rubbing alcohol, lithium batteries, anhydrous ammonia, starter fluid, hydrochloric acid, iodine, and others. An individual would not normally pick up some hydrochloric acid or lithium battery juice and start drinking it. When combined, these chemicals produce the right kind of high, powerful enough to seduce an individual to put these chemicals in their body.
These chemicals are what often cause the fire and explosions either due to neglecting the lab or not performing the cook correctly. About 5-7 pounds of toxic waste is produced each time an individual cooks 1 pound of meth. Often the cooks dump these toxic chemicals outside or in a lake, which can contaminate drinking water. Even breathing in the fumes of these chemicals is reported to cause permanent damage to the nasal passages, lungs, and brain. These vapors also have the habit of soaking into walls, furniture, and air vents.
Studies with animals and humans have shown that exposure to these contaminants can lead to cancer, brain damage, birth defects, liver damage, kidney damage, and reproductive problems. When police bust a meth, the clean-up is very expensive and often exceeds $4,000, partly due to how dangerous it is to clean up a meth lab.
To avoid toxic exposure, it is good to be aware of the signs of a meth lab. These include strong chemical odors coming from a house, visitors entering and leaving the home to stay for short periods of time, covered windows, excessive amounts of antifreeze, drain cleaner, or glass containers in the trash, and if the people in that home act paranoid or secretive. If you suspect a meth lab nearby, do not hesitate to call 911.
If you or someone you know is struggling with an addiction to meth and has used a meth lab, please consider seeking professional help at a treatment center. Asana Recovery offers drug addiction treatment with various therapies, a detox program, and residential rehabilitation to help those struggling with an addiction. Call 949-438-4504 to learn more about their treatment services.
