Willcox Meth Task Force

Meth labs are extremely dangerous to our environment and for those living near a meth lab.

There are many chemicals used in making meth.  The off gasing process releases harmful gases and toxins.  These gases can penetrate into all surrounding areas, such as carpet, drywall, ceiling tiles.  These gases can also make one ill and appear to be using meth.

Although children may live within a toxic environment, wearing only a diaper, first responders must wear protective gear to enter a meth lab. 

To ensure that this area is safe to live in again, all areas that potentially have toxins, must be removed.  The average meth lab clean-up costs about $5,000 and requires highly trained professionals.

Meth labs can be very deceiving.  They can be so small that they are placed in a backpack or in the trunk of a car.  Their toxic waste is however the same.

Willcox Fire Department at Meth Lab Bust 2006

For every pound of meth made, another five to six pounds of toxic waste is made.  Some meth makers, dispose of this waste in a neighbor's trash can, making a unsuspecting passerby exposed to toxic fumes.  Others dispose of the waste in their yards.  This will cause dead spots in yard and can potentially filter into our water table.

Meth labs are highly explosive.  There are many chemicals used in the making of meth and these chemicals are extremely volatile.  People who make meth are not trained chemists nor make meth in a scientific lab. 

When meth labs explode, harmful gases are released into the surrounding area.  Also, those near the lab can be burned.  Burn injuries, as a result of meth lab explosions, are the leading cause of admissions in the nation's burn centers.

To learn more about the environmental hazards of meth, visit our FAQ page.