Willcox Meth Task Force

 Q:  What are precursor substances?

Precursors are substances that, in nature, might be inactive.  However, when combined with another chemical, they result in a new product. Methamphetamine starts with an inactive compound (ephedrine or pseudo-ephedrine) and other chemicals are added to produce the drug.

Q:  What are the most serious environmental consequences of meth labs?

Each pound of meth produced leaves behind five or six pounds of toxic waste. Meth cooks often pour leftover chemicals and byproduct sludge down drains in nearby plumbing, storm drains, or directly onto the ground.  Toxic byproducts pose lasting hazards because they can persist in soil and groundwater for years.  Cleanup costs are also exorbitant because chemicals must be incinerated and disposed of properly by highly trained professionals.

Q:  Why can children become toxic from meth simply by their environment?

When meth is made, the chemicals are extremely toxic and penetrate the carpeting, flooring, dry wall, ceiling tiles, and furniture.  These toxins can be ingested or absorbed through the skin or mouth simply by living in the same environment.  People who unknowingly move into a home, where there was previous a meth lab, can also become toxic with meth-like illnesses.

Q:  How is the production of meth more dangerous than other drugs?

Meth trafficking and production are different than other drugs because they are dangerous from start to finish. The reckless practices of the untrained people who manufacture meth in clandestine labs, result in explosions and fires that injure or kill not only the people and families involved, but also first responders.  Any number of solvents, precursors, and hazardous agents are found in unmarked containers at these sites.  These potent chemicals can enter the central nervous system causing internal damage and can also burn or irritate the skin, eyes and nose. Environmental damage and violence is another consequence of these reckless actions as well.

Q:  What are the different types of meth labs?

Meth labs can range from very small to very big.  Mexico has "super labs" that make large quantities of meth.  Meth can also be small and portable and found in closets, RVs, and even backpacks.  Meth can also be made in conversion labs in which coffee makers or microwaves can be used.

Q:  If wanting to rent or purchase a place to live, is there a way to test for meth in the home?

No.  There are no testing kits available to see if there has been a meth lab in a living space.  There is a registry however of meth labs and their clean-ups.  Your local police department would have this information.

Q:  What other problems does meth pose to society?

Legal societal threats caused by meth can be fraud, identity theft, burglary, and robbery.  Also, domestic violence, rape, prostitution, murders, assaults, driving under the influence and automobile accidents as a result of DUI are societal threats of meth use.  CPS notes child abuse/neglect/endangerment and increased use of the foster care system due removal of children in homes where meth is used.  Burn centers note an increase in admissions due to explosions and fires caused by the illegal manufacturing of meth.  It is costly to clean-up the environmental contamination from meth production.  Medical implications of meth use are increased emergency room visits, spread of infectious disease including HIV, AIDS, MRSA, and hepatitis.  There is also lost worker productivity. Economic costs fall on local governments, which must allocate additional resources for social services and law enforcement.

Further questions please contact us at:

drwalker@willcoxmethtaskforce.org