Methamphetamine (Meth)
Inspection and Remediation

 

 





Video Training on Home Maintenance

 

  • Identifying homes that may be contaminated isn't something most inspectors know how to do. They don't know where to sample, they don't know how to test.

    Cleaning Meth contaminated homes isn't easy. If you do what some suggest, the home won't get clean. If you use what works, and you're not properly trained & equipped, the process can kill you.  

 

About Meth in Utah

Cleanup (Remediation)
  Meth can be a very difficult material to clean up. It is found in highest concentrations at the most difficult locations, and the most commonly recommended materials for cleanup are often ineffective. While certain governmental entities recommend a detergent solution, it is our experience at Crossroads Engineering that these solutions often produce failing results, even after repeated washes.
 
What Is Meth?
Methamphetamine (meth) is a central nervous system stimulant, and the only illegal drug that can be made from legally obtained products such as lye, freon, hydrogen peroxide, acetone, and other ingredients. The homemade manufacturing process and its byproducts stain, corrode, and contaminate utensils and surfaces. Soil and groundwater contamination, release of toxic gasses and fumes, and septic tank hazards are related problems. 
 
Definitions
In Utah's homes, the legal definition for meth contamination has been changed from 0.1 to 1.0 ug/100 sq cm. This compares with the EPA recommended value of 1.5 ug/100 sq cm. A key issue to understanding meth contamination is the difference between meth labs, or "cooking meth", vs. meth "use", or smoking the material. Because lab contamination levels are considerably higher than for use, EPA has recommended that labs be slated for cleanup, and that homes which have only seen "use" not be subject to remediation. Utah's approach has been to require that any home contaminated above 1.0 ug/l be professionally remediated. 
 
Meth Remediation Specialists
Meth remediation must be done either by the owner of record, or by a Utah certified meth remediation contractor.

The meth remediation business has inspectors come and go. Many new technicians are unaware of the level of effort required to perform a successful cleanup, and most lack the proper knowledge, tools and supplies to get the job done safely and reliably. It is one thing to pass the certification test, but is it another to know where to go and what  to get, when you need to safely and successfully complete a meth remediation.
 

Get it done safely and reliably.
Call Crossroads Engineering. 
 

Need a Great Inspector? Call the Engineer!

(c) Crossroads Engineering Inc
Garth Haslem
(801) 763-1932
 garth@crossroadsengineers.com