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Hazards of Meth Ingredients
Chemicals and equipment used to “cook” meth in illegal makeshift labs create an immediate danger of explosion and fire. The process also leaves behind waste that contaminates the site – often a house, apartment or other dwelling – and poses a threat both to the environment and the health of future occupants.


 

Typical Chemicals Found in Lab Sites Common Legitimate Uses Poison Flammable  Toxic Vapors Explosive Corrosive Skin Absorption Common Health Hazards
Acetone Fingernail polish remover, solvents X X X     X Reproductive disorders
Methonol Brake Cleaner fluid, fuel X X X     X Blindness, eye damage
Ammonia Disinfectants X   X   X X Blistering, lung damage
Benzene Dye, varnishes, lacquers X X   X X X Carcinogen, Leukemia
Ether Starters fluid, anesthetic X X   X     Respiratory Failure
Freon Refrigerant, propellants X   X   X   Frostbite, Lung damage
Hydriodic Acid Driveway cleaner X   X   X X Burns, Thyroid Damage
Hydrochloric Acid(HCL Gas) Iron ore processing, mining X   X   X X Respiratory, Liver Damage
Iodine Crystals Antiseptic, Catalyst X X   X X   Birth Defects, Kidney Failure
Lithium Metal Lithium batteries X       X X Burns, Pulmonary Edema
Muriatic Acid Swimming pool cleaners X   X   X   Burns, Toxic Vapors
Phosophine Gas Pesticides X   X     X Respiratory Failure
Pseudosphedrine Cold medicines X           Abuse: Heart Damage
Red Phosphorus Matches, fireworks X X X X     Unstable, Flammable
Sodium Hydroxide Drain cleaners, lye X   X   X X Burns, Skin Ulcers
Sulfuric Acid Battery Acid X   X   X X Burns, Thyroid Damage
Toluene Paint, thinners, solvents X X X X   X Fetal Damage, Pneumonia
Liquid Lab Waste None X X X X X X Unknown long term effects

Source: http://dec.co.riverside.ca.us/fyi/hazards.htm

Equipment found in meth labs
Meth Lab Equipment consisted of commercially purchased items such as separatory funnels, Bunsen burners, reaction vessels, plastic storage containers, and large glass beakers. These are the type items that you would associate with a science class or a chemistry lab. These labs are often referred to as “Super Labs” and are capable of producing multiple pounds of Methamphetamine during one cooking process. These labs were commonly located on the West Coast. Today, smaller labs, called “Tweaker Labs”,  “Box Labs” or "Rolling Mobile Labs" are popping up all over. These labs produce only a few grams of Methamphetamine at a time and are often operated by persons strung out on Methamphetamine. The different equipment found at a “Tweaker Lab” can be purchased from any retail store and consists of items like Mason Jars, Pyrex Glassware, plastic Igloo coolers, and plastic gas cans. These items can be used as they were purchased or can be slightly modified to process the ephedrine using the chemicals and heat sources like stove top and microwave ovens.


Illustration from http://www.cityofsalem.net/~police/... .


THIS SITE DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE. The information provided is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your health care professional if you have a specific health concern.

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