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Clandestine Meth Labs Ken Niswonger, Senior Chemist Compliance Assistance and Technical Support Unit Hazardous Materials and Waste Management Division Colorado Department of Public Health And Environment Meth Production in Colorado • Growing problem • Clandestine meth lab seizures in Colorado: – 150 in 1999 – 264 in 2000 – 452 in 2001 What is Methamphetamine? What is Methamphetamine? • Powerful, addictive stimulant drug • Illegally “cooked” in makeshift labs • Pills, capsules, powder or chunks • Smoked, snorted, injected, or eaten • a.k.a. crank, speed, crystal or ice • Euphoria, paranoia, anxiety, aggression Most Common Methods of Clandestine Production of Methamphetamine Meth Production Epidemic Related to Routes using Pseudoephedrine Prevalent Clandestine Production of Methamphetamine Prevalent Clandestine Production of Methamphetamine Nagai: HI and red P, Acid XI and Red P, or XI and H2PO2 Birch: Li or Na metal + NH 3 (gas) Rosenmund: H2 (gas) + Pd ,Ga etc Emde: SOCl2 or PCl5 + LiAlH4 Prevalent Clandestine Production of Methamphetamine Nagai: HI and red P, Acid XI and Red P, or XI and H2PO2 Birch: Li or Na metal + NH 3 (gas) Prevalent Clandestine Production of Methamphetamine Red Phosphorus , Red, White, and Blue Method “ HI “ Method Ammonia Method “Nazi” Shake and Bake Method What is the Concern ? Active Meth Labs: • Danger of fire and explosion • Chemical spills • Inhalation of solvents, corrosives, toxic gases • “Booby traps” • Waste disposal What is the Concern ? Active Meth Labs: What is the Concern ? Active Meth Labs: What is the Concern ? Former Meth Labs: • • • • Vapors Chemical residues Methamphetamine residues Waste Disposal Equipment Used in Meth Production • • • • • • • • Pyrex or Corning dishes Plastic or rubber tubing Rubber gloves Glass containers (all types) Funnels Propane tanks Coffee filters Hot plates How is Meth Produced? • Basic Process: – Solvent extraction of ephedrine – Filter out and evaporate or cook off solvent – “Cook” – Red Phosphorous or Nazi method – Solvent extraction of meth base – Separate solvent layer with meth – “Salt out” meth using hydrogen chloride gas Production Chemicals Red P Method Nazi Ephedrine or pseudoephedrine (cold tablets) HI, HCl, H2SO4,, H2PO2 Acetic and H3PO4 NaOH and NaCl Red P and Iodine Host of Solvents Hydrogen peroxide Anhy Ammonia Li/Na metal HCl, H2SO4 NaCl Host of Solvents By-products and Contaminants • Iodine/iodinated compounds • Phosphine gas (from overheating) • Yellow or white phosphorous (from overheating) • Hydriodic acid gas • Hydrogen chloride gas • Phosphoric acid gas • Meth residues Warning Signs of Suspected Meth Labs • Strong or unusual odors: solvents, ammonia, ether-like, vinegar-like, pungent, acrid or sour • Discoloration of structures, pavement or soil • Increased activity, especially at night • Unusual security systems or other devices Potential Areas of Contamination • Primary Areas: – Processing or “cooking” areas – Disposal areas – Storage areas Potential Areas of Contamination • Secondary Areas: – Locations where contamination has migrated – Common areas in multiple dwelling structures – Common ventilation or plumbing systems Authority to Require Cleanup • Currently no state statute that specifically authorizes state or local authorities to require cleanup • Some local agencies have independent authority to require cleanup • House Bill 1115 would have created statewide authority for local governments to require cleanup • House Bill 1115 would have authorized the State Board of Health to establish cleanup levels • Cleanup of Meth Labs • Developing guidance on cleanup procedures and levels – Structures: • General cleanup • Indoor air – Outdoor storage and/or disposal areas: • Soil • Groundwater • Surface water Cleanup Levels for Structures • CDPHE has health-based indoor air levels for only a few of the meth lab contaminants • CDPHE proposed cleanup level for meth of 0.5 ug/ft2 • Several other states have established cleanup levels: – Kansas – • Compound-specific concentrations • Derived from occupational exposure limits (OSHA, NIOSH, ATSDR) Disposal of Residual Meth Lab Waste at the Landfill • • • • • • • Demolition debris Furniture Carpeting Drapes and shades Clothing Lab equipment-after bulk chemical removal Disposal of bulk liquids and chemicals are prohibited at a solid waste landfill Who Should I Contact? • Local law enforcement or drug task force – Process crime scene • Local HAZMAT team – Proper handling and removal of chemicals and equipment • Local oversight agency (i.e., health department) – Oversee cleanup of structures • CDPHE - Hazardous Materials and Waste Management Division – Oversee cleanup of soil and water Law Enforcement Resources • Local law enforcement – Local meth lab response • Local drug task forces – Multi-jurisdictional meth lab response • Colorado Highway Patrol – Response on Colorado highways • DEA – Response in areas not covered by local law enforcement or a local task force • Rocky Mountain HIDTA – Established by the Office of National Drug Control Policy – Facilitates cooperation and coordination between local, state, and federal drug enforcement agencies