Meth Testing

Methamphetamine is a potent, highly addictive stimulant that affects the central nervous system.  Also known as meth, ice, ‘P’ and crystal, it takes the form of a white, odourless, bitter-tasting crystalline powder.  It is a powerful and highly addictive drug.

The manufacturing and smoking process for meth or “P” will leave some toxic residues on carpets, walls, ceilings, and contents of homes, buildings and property. Depending on what process is used it is estimated that for each kilogram of crystal meth manufactured can create 7 kilograms of toxic chemical waste contaminating the property.

Exposure to meth or associated chemicals can cause headaches, eye irritation, nausea, coughing, shortness of breath, dizziness, skin irritation, chest pain, fatigue and the feeling of coldness or weakness.

In 2010 the Ministry of Health created the Guidelines for the Remediation of Clandestine Methamphetamine Laboratory Sites.  Some of the main points within this include:
• No less than 5 samples should be taken inside a building.
• Any room occupied by a child under the age of 16 years old should be sampled.
• The NIOSH 9111 sampling method is accepted practice. 
• The acceptable level of methamphetamine to occupy a property is set at 0.5ug/100cm2
• Professionals undertaking testing must operate independently of commercial clean-up companies

Laboratory tests are the most reliable option which include samples taken from a number of areas in the house (ideally every room).
Smart Building Inspections is trained and certified to conduct meth testing. Individual swabs are collected from specific areas within the property and sent to an accredited lab for full analysis. 

Remedial action is required if the level of meth contamination is greater than 0.5mg/100sqcm.

The presence of precursor compounds does not conclusively prove manufacture. The reason is that the manufacturing process does not convert all of the precursor compound into the final product. In other words, a significant proportion of the product consumed is actually the precursor, which can vaporise along with the target and contaminate the surfaces of the dwelling in question.
Therefore the decision as to whether or not manufacture of methamphetamine has occurred requires corroborating evidence, such as evidence of chemical storage, or extremely high levels of both target and precursor compounds.