Chronic Toxicity: The meth lab toxins that keep on giving
April 20, 2009 by Meth Lab Homes
What kind of health problems can be caused by living in a home that’s been used as a meth lab? Living in a former meth lab home that is still contaminated with toxic chemicals over a period of months or years can have long term effects on your health. Long term exposure to toxins is known as chronic toxicity.
Chronic toxicity, put simply, is the illness that arises after you’ve been exposed to small amounts of toxic chemicals over a long period of time. According to the Partnership for a Drug Free America, chronic exposure to meth lab chemicals leads to chronic toxicity.
Exposure to chemicals used to make meth include the inhalation or ingestion of brake cleaners, engine starting fluid, drain cleaners,paint thinners, ammonia, rock salt/iodine, road flares, batteries, gas additives, gun cleaners, lye, and lantern or camp stove fuel.
People who are risk of chronic toxicity include not only meth cooks and those who are in the house when they’re making it, but also those who live in the home long after the meth lab has been shut down. Children living in a former meth lab are especially vulnerable to the effect of toxins on their body. Others at risk for chronic toxicity include police, firefighters, and child protection agents.
A report published by the Wyoming Department of Health, suggests that even though there are no long term studies about chronic exposure to meth lab chemicals, there is evidence that suggests they pose a serious health risk. In the report, the Partnership for a Drug Free America says that there is “scientific evidence from animal and human toxicity studies that shows the chemicals used to manufacture meth can cause a range of health effects include cancer, damage to the brain, liver and kidneys, birth defects, and reproductive problems, such as miscarriages.”
Photo: Courtesy of Apex Bioclean
