A majority of Americans sit in their comfortable living rooms and offices and believe that they will never be in a 'situation' that would expose them to the dangers associated with methamphetamines. That's just stuff you see on the news, right? Not necessarily. As they say, being forewarned is being forearmed and you certainly need to be well armed to get through a run-in with meth unscathed.
Almost 12 million Americans have tried meth at one time during their life, according to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health Report Methamphetamine Use, Abuse, and Dependence: 2002, 2003, and 2004, released by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Meth users and manufacturers include people from every lifestyle. Doctors, lawyers and dentists are no more exempt than factory workers or roofers.
Meth labs are encountered in neighborhoods from affluent to poor. Methamphetamine can be cooked virtually anywhere, and commercial buildings, homes, apartments, hotel rooms, trailers, barns, vans, and storage units are just a few of the structures used for labs. Although many are located in rural regions for concealment, meth labs can be found in urban and suburban areas.
The danger of fire and explosions is always immediate in meth lab operations and even after they're dismantled, meth labs leave a poisonous trail of chemical dust and vapors that can seep into neighboring spaces, including adjacent homes, apartments, and hotel rooms. Walls, floors, toys, furniture, ventilating systems, plumbing fixtures, septic systems, and surrounding soil can be contaminated and may require professional decontamination.
Amongst those at risk of exposure are real estate agents, landlords, property managers, potential tenants and homebuyers, garbage collectors, utility workers, plumbers, social service agents, and first responders. Children living in the neighborhood of a meth lab can be placed at risk as well. In fact, thousands of clandestine seizures every year involve children. Visitors or neighbors can be injured by the toxic fumes that vent from meth labs or from the poisonous "cooking" debris that's sometimes concealed outside or flushed into a septic system.
The dangers that go along with meth homes include exposure to cancer causing chemicals that can saturate walls, carpets and other building materials in addition to all contents. Lead and mercury are frequent by-products. Chemicals, such as solvents, may be disposed of in plumbing or just poured on the ground. If not removed properly these can cause various health problems. Respiratory problems, eye irritation, headaches, dizziness, and nausea are a few of the symptoms people may experience if they're exposed to contaminants from a former meth lab site.
Encounters with Meth Users, or "Tweekers", may not be a walk in the park either. Meth induces intense paranoia and symptoms similar to OCD, obsessive compulsive disorder. Meth users may even save their urine in bottles stashed away in living areas to recover the unmetabolized meth from the urine. Meth users sometimes become obsessive about objects. They might disassemble things like appliances, watches or computers. The objects can occasionally be found in a pile dismantled down to the smallest component.
Most people with OCD are pretty harmless except to themselves. According to police reports, the paranoid meth user can be very dangerous. They're frequently reported to have large, sometimes eccentric, weapon collections that may have large quantities of knives. Dangerous booby traps are often set up to protect the individuals meth stash.
So, how do you know when you're in the presence of a meth lab or potential meth users? Here are just a few signs:
Meth lab signs:
o Yellow stains on walls, drains, sinks and showers
o Blue discolorations on valves of propane tanks and fire extinguishers
o Smoke detectors that are removed or taped off
o Having physical symptoms while inside the house, such as burning in your eyes or throat, itching, a metallic taste in your mouth and breathing problems
o Peculiar strong odors that smell like materials from a garage, such as solvent and paint thinner, cat urine or ammonia o The use of security cameras and surveillance equipment
Signs that property owners should look for with their homes and tenants:
o Renters who behave strangely and are exceedingly thin, have open sores, bad teeth or enlarged pupils
o Extensive amounts of trash with items such as lithium batteries, torn-apart matchbooks, water bottles, cold medicine packs and antifreeze containers
o Stained coffee filters that are not brown
o Plexiglass or other dark-colored cookware
o Glass containers with two layered liquids and chemistry sets
Rapid Response BioDecon recommends that anyone with concerns about potential meth lab exposure ask local law enforcement to run a criminal check on the property and, if living in a rental unit or purchasing a home, request documentation that the property was decontaminated professionally.
Patricia Abney, is President and Founder of Rapid Response BioDecon, Inc., West Central Florida's Specialized death and trauma scene cleaning company. In addition to Biohazard Decontamination, Rapid Response offers Meth Lab Clean Up services to all Southeastern States including Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi and South Carolina. RAPID RESPONSE BIODECON is one of only three companies in the State of Florida that employ OSHA Certified Meth Lab Decontamination Specialists who are experts in handling site contamination caused by illegal drug production. Meth Lab Testing and Clean Up information can be found at http://www.FloridaMethLabCleanUp.com
The company's website can be accessed at: http://www.rapidresponsebiodecon.com and they are ready to assist 24 hours a day 7 days a week. Technician's can also be reached at: 1-866-98DECON.
The corporation maintains an outstanding reputation sustained by honest, hard work and customer satisfaction.
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Do I Really Need Professional Meth Lab Testing? You May Be Surprised at the Answer!
All of us have a list of worries when looking to move into a new home but if it hasn't occurred to you before, you should have possible meth contamination on your list. If you are considering moving into a location that's in or neighboring a drug abuse area or a foreclosed property, count environmental testing for street drugs as first on your list.
A 2002 survey by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services showed that more than 12 million people age 12 or older (5.3 percent) had used methamphetamine at least one time in their lives. In 2003, 32 percent of state and local law enforcement agencies nationally named methamphetamine as the number two contributor--behind cocaine (50 percent)--to violent crime in their jurisdictions.
Methamphetamine Manufacture
Methamphetamine is made in improvised illegal laboratories using ingredients oftentimes bought in local stores. Over-the-counter cold medications containing ephedrine or pseudoephedrine and other materials can be "cooked" to make the drug. According to the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP), methamphetamine production and trafficking have changed in the past 10 years. In 2001, according to the National Clandestine Laboratory Database, there were 8,290 methamphetamine lab seizures. From 1999 to 2004, the number of seizures in total actually declined, but seizures dramatically increased in midwestern states.
Chemical Hazards During Synthesis
There are numerous formulas used to synthesize methamphetamine. Most processes are dependant on availability of mass chemicals. Because the structures of ephedrine and methamphetamine are very related, a lot of recipes are fashioned to take out a bound oxygen and hydrogen atom from the ephedrine and replace it with hydrogen. [1]
Was this place a meth lab? Occasionally the evidence is glaring. Sometimes it's not. Meth labs might be concealed behind false walls. You may observe modifications that seem strange such as exhaust fans mounted where they have no rational use or bootlegged power supply. The following list gives more obvious meth lab signs:
Yellow stains on walls, drains, sinks and showers
Blue discolorations on valves of propane tanks and fire extinguishers
Smoke detectors that are removed or taped off
Experiencing physical symptoms when inside the house, such as burning in your eyes or throat, itching, a metallic taste in your mouth and breathing problems
Odd strong odors that smell like materials from a garage, such as solvent and paint thinner, cat urine or ammonia the use of security cameras and surveillance equipment.
Even if the owner disclosed prior drug use or even a clean up you should have the home tested for traces of drugs. The dangers aren't worth the risk. The chemicals used to manufacture elicit drugs can saturate the walls, get in the carpet and household contents such as furniture. Lead and mercury are common by-products detected in the meth residue. Health experts say effects from exposure to meth residue can include skin and eye irritation, rash, headaches, respiratory problems, dizziness, loss of coordination, damage to liver, kidney and central nervous systems. Little is known about the long term effects on health.
Safety is extremely important. Suitable respiratory protection and other personal protective equipment are central factors in reducing the risk of adverse health affects for personnel going into and cleaning up methamphetamine laboratories. Surface contaminants in illicit labs and the surrounding area can be significant. The entire area of an illicit methamphetamine laboratory should be considered significantly contaminated with the drug itself. One study accounted wipe sample concentrations as high as 16,000 micrograms per 100 square centimeters (µg/100cm²).
So, what about those "do-it-yourself" wipe tests that you can buy online? NOT recommended for several reasons. First and foremost is safety. It's not recommended that ANYONE set foot inside a potentially contaminated property unless trained and certified by OSHA in Hazardous Materials handling. Our technicians wear full level C PPE the entire time that they are on the premises of a potential meth lab. In addition, any results you obtain will be unscientific and not legally defensible. Finally, those tests for the most part will give you only a +/- for the presence of the meth molecule and will tell you nothing as to the levels of meth that are present.
A positive test may occur in places where meth has been used, as well as manufactured. This test is for the actual residue of the drug alone. It does not screen for chemicals used in the fabrication or those that are produced in the process. A positive test tells you simply to proceed with caution and doesn't really help to paint a picture as to what needs to be done to resolve the problem.
This is serious business and it's important that you bring in someone that is qualified to handle this for you. Half measures and quick fixes are not going to bring you peace of mind, safety and the ever important legally defensible documentation that you have a professionally remediated structure that is clean and ready to be occupied.
[1] Source - Occupational & Health Administration, "Coping With Meth Hazards", 11/01/2006.
Patricia Abney, is President and Founder of Rapid Response BioDecon, Inc., West Central Florida's Specialized death and trauma scene cleaning company. In addition to Biohazard Decontamination, Rapid Response offers Meth Lab Clean Up services to all Southeastern States including Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi and South Carolina. RAPID RESPONSE BIODECON is one of only three companies in the State of Florida that employ OSHA Certified Meth Lab Decontamination Specialists who are experts in handling site contamination caused by illegal drug production. Meth Lab Testing and Clean Up information can be found at http://www.FloridaMethLabCleanUp.com
The company's website can be accessed at: http://www.rapidresponsebiodecon.com and they are ready to assist 24 hours a day 7 days a week. Technician's can also be reached at: 1-866-98DECON.
The corporation maintains an outstanding reputation sustained by honest, hard work and customer satisfaction.
A 2002 survey by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services showed that more than 12 million people age 12 or older (5.3 percent) had used methamphetamine at least one time in their lives. In 2003, 32 percent of state and local law enforcement agencies nationally named methamphetamine as the number two contributor--behind cocaine (50 percent)--to violent crime in their jurisdictions.
Methamphetamine Manufacture
Methamphetamine is made in improvised illegal laboratories using ingredients oftentimes bought in local stores. Over-the-counter cold medications containing ephedrine or pseudoephedrine and other materials can be "cooked" to make the drug. According to the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP), methamphetamine production and trafficking have changed in the past 10 years. In 2001, according to the National Clandestine Laboratory Database, there were 8,290 methamphetamine lab seizures. From 1999 to 2004, the number of seizures in total actually declined, but seizures dramatically increased in midwestern states.
Chemical Hazards During Synthesis
There are numerous formulas used to synthesize methamphetamine. Most processes are dependant on availability of mass chemicals. Because the structures of ephedrine and methamphetamine are very related, a lot of recipes are fashioned to take out a bound oxygen and hydrogen atom from the ephedrine and replace it with hydrogen. [1]
Was this place a meth lab? Occasionally the evidence is glaring. Sometimes it's not. Meth labs might be concealed behind false walls. You may observe modifications that seem strange such as exhaust fans mounted where they have no rational use or bootlegged power supply. The following list gives more obvious meth lab signs:
Yellow stains on walls, drains, sinks and showers
Blue discolorations on valves of propane tanks and fire extinguishers
Smoke detectors that are removed or taped off
Experiencing physical symptoms when inside the house, such as burning in your eyes or throat, itching, a metallic taste in your mouth and breathing problems
Odd strong odors that smell like materials from a garage, such as solvent and paint thinner, cat urine or ammonia the use of security cameras and surveillance equipment.
Even if the owner disclosed prior drug use or even a clean up you should have the home tested for traces of drugs. The dangers aren't worth the risk. The chemicals used to manufacture elicit drugs can saturate the walls, get in the carpet and household contents such as furniture. Lead and mercury are common by-products detected in the meth residue. Health experts say effects from exposure to meth residue can include skin and eye irritation, rash, headaches, respiratory problems, dizziness, loss of coordination, damage to liver, kidney and central nervous systems. Little is known about the long term effects on health.
Safety is extremely important. Suitable respiratory protection and other personal protective equipment are central factors in reducing the risk of adverse health affects for personnel going into and cleaning up methamphetamine laboratories. Surface contaminants in illicit labs and the surrounding area can be significant. The entire area of an illicit methamphetamine laboratory should be considered significantly contaminated with the drug itself. One study accounted wipe sample concentrations as high as 16,000 micrograms per 100 square centimeters (µg/100cm²).
So, what about those "do-it-yourself" wipe tests that you can buy online? NOT recommended for several reasons. First and foremost is safety. It's not recommended that ANYONE set foot inside a potentially contaminated property unless trained and certified by OSHA in Hazardous Materials handling. Our technicians wear full level C PPE the entire time that they are on the premises of a potential meth lab. In addition, any results you obtain will be unscientific and not legally defensible. Finally, those tests for the most part will give you only a +/- for the presence of the meth molecule and will tell you nothing as to the levels of meth that are present.
A positive test may occur in places where meth has been used, as well as manufactured. This test is for the actual residue of the drug alone. It does not screen for chemicals used in the fabrication or those that are produced in the process. A positive test tells you simply to proceed with caution and doesn't really help to paint a picture as to what needs to be done to resolve the problem.
This is serious business and it's important that you bring in someone that is qualified to handle this for you. Half measures and quick fixes are not going to bring you peace of mind, safety and the ever important legally defensible documentation that you have a professionally remediated structure that is clean and ready to be occupied.
[1] Source - Occupational & Health Administration, "Coping With Meth Hazards", 11/01/2006.
Patricia Abney, is President and Founder of Rapid Response BioDecon, Inc., West Central Florida's Specialized death and trauma scene cleaning company. In addition to Biohazard Decontamination, Rapid Response offers Meth Lab Clean Up services to all Southeastern States including Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi and South Carolina. RAPID RESPONSE BIODECON is one of only three companies in the State of Florida that employ OSHA Certified Meth Lab Decontamination Specialists who are experts in handling site contamination caused by illegal drug production. Meth Lab Testing and Clean Up information can be found at http://www.FloridaMethLabCleanUp.com
The company's website can be accessed at: http://www.rapidresponsebiodecon.com and they are ready to assist 24 hours a day 7 days a week. Technician's can also be reached at: 1-866-98DECON.
The corporation maintains an outstanding reputation sustained by honest, hard work and customer satisfaction.
Suburban Rental Units - The New Home of Meth Labs
Meth labs are no longer restricted to the rural areas of America. They have now infiltrated suburbia. Meth cooks are capitalizing on the kind and harmless "image" suburbs provide and using them as a means of screening their dangerous and illegal operations.
Imagine an environmental catastrophe waiting to materialize in your rental property - a cooking procedure utilizing corrosive and flammable elements, that at some phases produces the same gas used in concentration camps, producing an odorous reaction of chemicals and toxic fumes, brewed by people who normally don't have chemistry degrees...and you have the typical meth lab.
The meth lab is more dangerous than any legal laboratory or chemical manufacturing plant. Meth labs have been defined as an "explosion waiting to happen." In fact, 25%-30% of all labs exposed in the U.S. are detected as a result of fire or explosion. A clandestine (secret) meth lab will likely have hazardous, flammable chemicals stashed away in every type of container imaginable--in closets, under stairways, under tables or even out in the open. Little of the glassware and equipment will be acceptable laboratory materials. Most will be improvised using casserole dishes, CorningWare, crock pots, etc.; Parts may be cracked and have jagged edges, sometimes covered with duct tape. Heaters, ovens or power strips could have frayed or exposed wires. Also, the gases produced by the operation are highly flammable, made worse by the fact that labs are commonly concealed in a closed off room or a basement. A pilot light on your gas water heater could ignite the entire property. More importantly, a majority of the people operating these suburban meth labs don't own the property, they rent.
The After Effects of a Meth Lab on Your Property
There's little known about the health effects of long-term exposure to contaminants left behind by previous methamphetamine labs. Property owners are advised to exercise extreme caution and use the safest possible cleaning practices in dealing with a former meth lab property. There are company's that specialize in this type of clean up who will even provide a certificate of decontamination at conclusion of the cleanup process.
When drug users, dealers, or manufacturers live in or operate out of rental properties, neighborhoods suffer - and landlords pay a steep price. If the unit has been used as a meth fabricating lab, the decontamination cost alone is high, averaging $10,000-$15,000 for a 1200-square-foot home.
After a lab has been shut down, your property typically still is contaminated with hazardous chemicals. Residues of methamphetamine and other chemicals left over at a former meth lab are a concern for people who later occupy the property. For this reason, local health departments may get involved and thoroughly evaluate the property for hazards before permitting it to be re-inhabited, particularly if by children. Long and short term health effects include liver and kidney damage, neurological problems and increased cancer risks, even for people residing in former lab sites.
When a meth lab is detected in a multiple-unit dwelling, neighbors might be worried about their exposure to hazardous chemicals while the lab was still operational. Neighbors danger for exposure is generally very low, but it's important to address any nearby residents concerns.
But there are also other profound costs that a landlord can incur as a consequence of meth activity on the premises. How tenants' meth use impacts rental properties and landlords:
* Methamphetamine attracts criminal activity - gang-related activities such as vandalism and violence
* Property values decline, especially once the activity drives the neighborhood to get a bad reputation
* Property damage results from tenant misuse and neglect, from retaliation, from fire, or from police busts
* Civil penalties could be imposed, including the forced temporary closure or even seizure of the property
* Rental income is forfeited during the eviction and repair periods
* Good renters may move out because of meth-related troubles, resulting in lost rental income
* Feelings of bitterness and anger damage relationships between neighbors and property managers
* Being forced to address with dangerous and threatening tenants generates fear and frustration
Signs of meth activity at a rental property:
Landlords might observe behavior in renters that suggests potential meth or other drug use and, possibly, drug dealing:
* Failure to pay rent or utility bills
* Failure to keep the house in good condition
A combination of the indicators below may be significant.
Vehicle traffic and automobiles
* Expensive vehicles that seem out of place for the area
* Regular car switching, particularly at unusual hours:
* people arrive in one car and leave in another
* Vehicles stopping for short stays - fewer than 20 minutes
* Regular late-night deliveries
* Considerable increase in vehicular traffic
* Suspicious vehicles: clean license plates on a dirty car, damage consistent with the car being a stolen vehicle
Foot traffic
* People parking away from the premises and walking in
* Ungroomed, disoriented visitors or neighbors
* People taking in tools, electronics, or other items that might be used to sell or trade for drugs
Change in property conditions
* Collections of garbage or junk
* Deterioration of the premises or yard
* Disassembling of vehicles or machinery (frequently the high gives meth users the energy to begin projects, but they lack the ability to focus enough to complete them)
Residents' appearance and behavior
* Ungroomed, dirty appearance
* Children show signs of abuse or disregard
* Pets are uncared-for, neglected
* Occupant is awake for days at a time
* Occupant sleeps for days at a time
* There's frequent partying in the dwelling
* There are a lot of young visitors, even when the residents do not have children in the same age group as the visitors
Surroundings
* Increased crime in the neighborhood, particularly crimes of opportunity like vehicle thefts and burglaries
* Other neighbors displaying strange behavior - hanging out at the drug house or defending the occupants, for instance
Steps you can take to prevent meth at your property:
* Show tenants that you are partnering with local law enforcement by displaying their decals
* Conduct background checks on renters. Check references, credit histories, and, if you get the required approval, criminal background
* Inspect your property on a regular basis
* Encourage tenants and others in the community to be mindful of suspicious individuals and activities
* Encourage nearby residents to alert you to any worries that they have
How can a meth lab be cleaned up?
Property owners are responsible for proper cleanup and costs. Owners who choose to clean buildings on their own ought to be aware that household building materials and furniture may absorb contaminants and, in some cases, emit toxic fumes. Private cleanup contractors can and should be hired to conduct safe meth lab testing and decontamination of any property known or suspected to have been a meth lab.
Patricia Abney, is President and Founder of Rapid Response BioDecon, Inc., West Central Florida's Specialized death and trauma scene cleaning company. In addition to Biohazard Decontamination, Rapid Response offers Meth Lab Clean Up services to all Southeastern States including Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi and South Carolina. RAPID RESPONSE BIODECON is one of only three companies in the State of Florida that employ OSHA Certified Meth Lab Decontamination Specialists who are experts in handling site contamination caused by illegal drug production.
The company's website can be accessed at: http://www.rapidresponsebiodecon.com and they are ready to assist 24 hours a day 7 days a week. Technician's can also be reached at: 1-866-98DECON.
The corporation maintains an outstanding reputation sustained by honest, hard work and customer satisfaction.
Imagine an environmental catastrophe waiting to materialize in your rental property - a cooking procedure utilizing corrosive and flammable elements, that at some phases produces the same gas used in concentration camps, producing an odorous reaction of chemicals and toxic fumes, brewed by people who normally don't have chemistry degrees...and you have the typical meth lab.
The meth lab is more dangerous than any legal laboratory or chemical manufacturing plant. Meth labs have been defined as an "explosion waiting to happen." In fact, 25%-30% of all labs exposed in the U.S. are detected as a result of fire or explosion. A clandestine (secret) meth lab will likely have hazardous, flammable chemicals stashed away in every type of container imaginable--in closets, under stairways, under tables or even out in the open. Little of the glassware and equipment will be acceptable laboratory materials. Most will be improvised using casserole dishes, CorningWare, crock pots, etc.; Parts may be cracked and have jagged edges, sometimes covered with duct tape. Heaters, ovens or power strips could have frayed or exposed wires. Also, the gases produced by the operation are highly flammable, made worse by the fact that labs are commonly concealed in a closed off room or a basement. A pilot light on your gas water heater could ignite the entire property. More importantly, a majority of the people operating these suburban meth labs don't own the property, they rent.
The After Effects of a Meth Lab on Your Property
There's little known about the health effects of long-term exposure to contaminants left behind by previous methamphetamine labs. Property owners are advised to exercise extreme caution and use the safest possible cleaning practices in dealing with a former meth lab property. There are company's that specialize in this type of clean up who will even provide a certificate of decontamination at conclusion of the cleanup process.
When drug users, dealers, or manufacturers live in or operate out of rental properties, neighborhoods suffer - and landlords pay a steep price. If the unit has been used as a meth fabricating lab, the decontamination cost alone is high, averaging $10,000-$15,000 for a 1200-square-foot home.
After a lab has been shut down, your property typically still is contaminated with hazardous chemicals. Residues of methamphetamine and other chemicals left over at a former meth lab are a concern for people who later occupy the property. For this reason, local health departments may get involved and thoroughly evaluate the property for hazards before permitting it to be re-inhabited, particularly if by children. Long and short term health effects include liver and kidney damage, neurological problems and increased cancer risks, even for people residing in former lab sites.
When a meth lab is detected in a multiple-unit dwelling, neighbors might be worried about their exposure to hazardous chemicals while the lab was still operational. Neighbors danger for exposure is generally very low, but it's important to address any nearby residents concerns.
But there are also other profound costs that a landlord can incur as a consequence of meth activity on the premises. How tenants' meth use impacts rental properties and landlords:
* Methamphetamine attracts criminal activity - gang-related activities such as vandalism and violence
* Property values decline, especially once the activity drives the neighborhood to get a bad reputation
* Property damage results from tenant misuse and neglect, from retaliation, from fire, or from police busts
* Civil penalties could be imposed, including the forced temporary closure or even seizure of the property
* Rental income is forfeited during the eviction and repair periods
* Good renters may move out because of meth-related troubles, resulting in lost rental income
* Feelings of bitterness and anger damage relationships between neighbors and property managers
* Being forced to address with dangerous and threatening tenants generates fear and frustration
Signs of meth activity at a rental property:
Landlords might observe behavior in renters that suggests potential meth or other drug use and, possibly, drug dealing:
* Failure to pay rent or utility bills
* Failure to keep the house in good condition
A combination of the indicators below may be significant.
Vehicle traffic and automobiles
* Expensive vehicles that seem out of place for the area
* Regular car switching, particularly at unusual hours:
* people arrive in one car and leave in another
* Vehicles stopping for short stays - fewer than 20 minutes
* Regular late-night deliveries
* Considerable increase in vehicular traffic
* Suspicious vehicles: clean license plates on a dirty car, damage consistent with the car being a stolen vehicle
Foot traffic
* People parking away from the premises and walking in
* Ungroomed, disoriented visitors or neighbors
* People taking in tools, electronics, or other items that might be used to sell or trade for drugs
Change in property conditions
* Collections of garbage or junk
* Deterioration of the premises or yard
* Disassembling of vehicles or machinery (frequently the high gives meth users the energy to begin projects, but they lack the ability to focus enough to complete them)
Residents' appearance and behavior
* Ungroomed, dirty appearance
* Children show signs of abuse or disregard
* Pets are uncared-for, neglected
* Occupant is awake for days at a time
* Occupant sleeps for days at a time
* There's frequent partying in the dwelling
* There are a lot of young visitors, even when the residents do not have children in the same age group as the visitors
Surroundings
* Increased crime in the neighborhood, particularly crimes of opportunity like vehicle thefts and burglaries
* Other neighbors displaying strange behavior - hanging out at the drug house or defending the occupants, for instance
Steps you can take to prevent meth at your property:
* Show tenants that you are partnering with local law enforcement by displaying their decals
* Conduct background checks on renters. Check references, credit histories, and, if you get the required approval, criminal background
* Inspect your property on a regular basis
* Encourage tenants and others in the community to be mindful of suspicious individuals and activities
* Encourage nearby residents to alert you to any worries that they have
How can a meth lab be cleaned up?
Property owners are responsible for proper cleanup and costs. Owners who choose to clean buildings on their own ought to be aware that household building materials and furniture may absorb contaminants and, in some cases, emit toxic fumes. Private cleanup contractors can and should be hired to conduct safe meth lab testing and decontamination of any property known or suspected to have been a meth lab.
Patricia Abney, is President and Founder of Rapid Response BioDecon, Inc., West Central Florida's Specialized death and trauma scene cleaning company. In addition to Biohazard Decontamination, Rapid Response offers Meth Lab Clean Up services to all Southeastern States including Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi and South Carolina. RAPID RESPONSE BIODECON is one of only three companies in the State of Florida that employ OSHA Certified Meth Lab Decontamination Specialists who are experts in handling site contamination caused by illegal drug production.
The company's website can be accessed at: http://www.rapidresponsebiodecon.com and they are ready to assist 24 hours a day 7 days a week. Technician's can also be reached at: 1-866-98DECON.
The corporation maintains an outstanding reputation sustained by honest, hard work and customer satisfaction.
How to Extract Water From Carpet?
Carpet water extraction sounds like a relatively simple process, right? Merely sop up any standing water with towels and place a fan in front of the wet spot until it dries. Sounds easy enough, but what happens if your water heater gives way and you are suddenly faced with fifty or more gallons of water in your house, or if you have been a victim of a flood? Would you be able to dry out your carpet in time to prevent the formation of mold or mildew? What health hazards do a carpet that has not been properly dried present to a homeowner?
So, how do you extract water from a carpet? It's still a pretty simple and straightforward process, only instead of a pile of wet towels and a high utility bill; you need to use a carpet water extractor.
You can choose to rent one from one of many sources, buy one, or call a professional carpet water extraction service. Each of these methods will employ similar techniques, though keep in mind that for large jobs, especially if you have been a victim of flash flooding, it would be advisable to call a professional service to properly dry and sanitize your carpets.
A carpet water extractor is merely a wet dry vacuum with a wand attached for maximum concentration of suction into small areas of carpet. The head of the wand is placed directly onto the wet surface of the carpet and the water starts coming out of the carpet and depositing into the machine. The operator moves the wand across the affected areas of the carpet, making sure to use slow, methodical movements in order to assure a thorough job. The extraction job is not completed until no more water is being suctioned into the machine. It is at this point that it may be desirable to place a fan or two around the affected area to speed drying of the carpet fibers, especially if the carpet has been wet for quite some time.
If the carpet has been wet for an extended period of time, has been thoroughly soaked with many gallons of water, or has been exposed to flood waters, call a professional. Carpets are a breeding ground for harmful bacteria and mold, which can present health hazards to the homeowners. Professional carpet extraction services can not only remove the water from the carpet, but can also treat the affected areas to inhibit mold and bacteria growth, saving you from thousands of dollars in medical bills and carpet replacement.
Hire professionals for all your homicide cleanup, Murder cleanup atlanta services. We are specialized in all kind of cleanup activities and we offer a 24/7 emergency service for our customers. Visit us on the web at RightWayRestoration.com to know further about our suicide cleanup Atlanta services.
So, how do you extract water from a carpet? It's still a pretty simple and straightforward process, only instead of a pile of wet towels and a high utility bill; you need to use a carpet water extractor.
You can choose to rent one from one of many sources, buy one, or call a professional carpet water extraction service. Each of these methods will employ similar techniques, though keep in mind that for large jobs, especially if you have been a victim of flash flooding, it would be advisable to call a professional service to properly dry and sanitize your carpets.
A carpet water extractor is merely a wet dry vacuum with a wand attached for maximum concentration of suction into small areas of carpet. The head of the wand is placed directly onto the wet surface of the carpet and the water starts coming out of the carpet and depositing into the machine. The operator moves the wand across the affected areas of the carpet, making sure to use slow, methodical movements in order to assure a thorough job. The extraction job is not completed until no more water is being suctioned into the machine. It is at this point that it may be desirable to place a fan or two around the affected area to speed drying of the carpet fibers, especially if the carpet has been wet for quite some time.
If the carpet has been wet for an extended period of time, has been thoroughly soaked with many gallons of water, or has been exposed to flood waters, call a professional. Carpets are a breeding ground for harmful bacteria and mold, which can present health hazards to the homeowners. Professional carpet extraction services can not only remove the water from the carpet, but can also treat the affected areas to inhibit mold and bacteria growth, saving you from thousands of dollars in medical bills and carpet replacement.
Hire professionals for all your homicide cleanup, Murder cleanup atlanta services. We are specialized in all kind of cleanup activities and we offer a 24/7 emergency service for our customers. Visit us on the web at RightWayRestoration.com to know further about our suicide cleanup Atlanta services.
Monday, March 1, 2010
Starting Crime Scene Clean Up Career and/or Business
To start in crime scene cleaning business you do not need to have an advanced degree In fact, a large number of crime scene business and technicians don't even have a high school or college diplomas. To work in the crime scene clean-up industry you must have a strong stomach and a willingness to do be exposed to violence and maintain a professional attitude.
The Crime Scene clean-up business will also challenge your skills. It requires a strong background in construction. Since most of the scenes are cleaned according to strict OSHA guidelines.
Crimes are different in size and locations some crimes involve Cleaning blood off walls and small fragments, removing blood stained carpeting, disposing of furniture according to the state laws, dealing with decomposed bodies or murder victims remains such as teeth, noses and even bone fragments embedded in walls and callings. Crime scene cleaning requires extensive training in blood Bourne pathogen, Personal protective gear and much more areas.
Most of the crime scene cleaning is done according to strict OSHA rules and guidelines. Most crime scene clean up Technicians have to wear protective gear also called a Hazmat suit, complete with special respirators and chemical-spill boots and covers. There are more areas of service in crime scene clean up. Some companies specialize in Meth Lab clean-up, to clear out illegal drug labs after the local police identifies the facility and red tag till it is properly cleaned adequate for someone to move in and live in a safe environment.
Working for a crime-scene clean-up companies, will require you to take certification courses that cover:
1. OSHA's Bloodborne Pathogen Standard 29CFR 1910.1030
2. OSHA's Respiratory Protection Standard 29CFR 1910.134
3. OSHA's Hazard Communication Standard 29CFR 1910.1200
4. Bloodborne Pathogen Exposure Control Plan
5. Respiratory Protection Program
6. Hazard Communication Program
7. Universal precautions procedures
8. Personal protective equipment (PPE)
9. Proper containment, storing and disposing of Hazmat waste.
10. Deodorization/Odor removal techniques
11. Policies and procedures
12. Basic construction knowledge
The official hours are not set. You can be dissipated by the police at anytime during the day or night. If you are interested in pursuing a career and/Or business in the crime scene clean up industry please visit our site www.scenecleanllc.com and click on careers. If you want to earn six figures cleaning up.
Those who are starting out in the field might make $45,000 to $55,000 a year as a full-time employee.
Your best chances of making six figures anywhere is to own your own business. This is also a rewarding filed. We help survivors of violence and give them a piece of mind and help them live in a safe environment.
"I would like to make a difference." Some companies take advantage of family victims and insurance companies visit our site http://www.scenecleanllc.com and click on careers for more details.
The Crime Scene clean-up business will also challenge your skills. It requires a strong background in construction. Since most of the scenes are cleaned according to strict OSHA guidelines.
Crimes are different in size and locations some crimes involve Cleaning blood off walls and small fragments, removing blood stained carpeting, disposing of furniture according to the state laws, dealing with decomposed bodies or murder victims remains such as teeth, noses and even bone fragments embedded in walls and callings. Crime scene cleaning requires extensive training in blood Bourne pathogen, Personal protective gear and much more areas.
Most of the crime scene cleaning is done according to strict OSHA rules and guidelines. Most crime scene clean up Technicians have to wear protective gear also called a Hazmat suit, complete with special respirators and chemical-spill boots and covers. There are more areas of service in crime scene clean up. Some companies specialize in Meth Lab clean-up, to clear out illegal drug labs after the local police identifies the facility and red tag till it is properly cleaned adequate for someone to move in and live in a safe environment.
Working for a crime-scene clean-up companies, will require you to take certification courses that cover:
1. OSHA's Bloodborne Pathogen Standard 29CFR 1910.1030
2. OSHA's Respiratory Protection Standard 29CFR 1910.134
3. OSHA's Hazard Communication Standard 29CFR 1910.1200
4. Bloodborne Pathogen Exposure Control Plan
5. Respiratory Protection Program
6. Hazard Communication Program
7. Universal precautions procedures
8. Personal protective equipment (PPE)
9. Proper containment, storing and disposing of Hazmat waste.
10. Deodorization/Odor removal techniques
11. Policies and procedures
12. Basic construction knowledge
The official hours are not set. You can be dissipated by the police at anytime during the day or night. If you are interested in pursuing a career and/Or business in the crime scene clean up industry please visit our site www.scenecleanllc.com and click on careers. If you want to earn six figures cleaning up.
Those who are starting out in the field might make $45,000 to $55,000 a year as a full-time employee.
Your best chances of making six figures anywhere is to own your own business. This is also a rewarding filed. We help survivors of violence and give them a piece of mind and help them live in a safe environment.
"I would like to make a difference." Some companies take advantage of family victims and insurance companies visit our site http://www.scenecleanllc.com and click on careers for more details.
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