Renter gets sick after living in bank repo meth lab home
October 14, 2009 by Meth Lab Homes
My boys and I moved into a rental the end of June of this year. The owner layed new carpet and new laminant (fake wood) flooring throughout the house except the bathrooms and kitchen, which still has the old laminant. Everything is newly painted as well as the garage floor. There was a small fire in the garage which still has leftover soot throughout the garage. I found out the previous owner was kicked out due to non-payment and has since then been arrested for drug possession. I do not know what kind of drugs.
The current owner purchased the home from the bank. I know the guys name who was arrested, because I keep getting mail for him. Since we moved in, my 10 year old has been suffering from on and off nose bleeds, stomach aches, sore throats, sinus problems and unusual fatigue. My 14 yr. old has suffered from dry and sore throat, sinus problems and unusual fatigue. I have suffered from extreme fatigue, lethargy, headache, severe dry sinuses with occasional nose bleed (which I have never had), and muscle and body aches. I have spoken with an undercover drug officer about the address of the home and it has never been busted as a meth lab, but I know that doesn’t mean it wasn’t used as one.
What should my next step or steps be and should I be concerned? I have a fairly good friendship with my landlord. Thank you to whoever is able to answer me quickly!!!!!!
-Linda
Linda,
Although, you may be living in a former meth lab, there is a possibility that you may also be experiencing health problems because of a reaction to chemicals coming from all of the “new” materials in the house, like the new carpeting, new flooring, paint, etc. I say that because ever since my brother installed new laminate flooring in his house this summer, my eyes burn whenever he puts his air conditioner and/or fans on. That never happened to me before his new flooring got installed.
Knowing that the former owner was arrested for drugs, there was a fire in the garage, and the floor in the garage was painted, may signal that meth was being made there. Paint is often used to cover up chemical stains. As far as the fire goes, if the fire was caused from cooking meth and the fire department was called to the scene, they should have investigated what the cause of the fire was. You might want to ask them if they know anything about a fire that took place there. However, if it was a small fire, they may not even know about it, as the meth cook could have put it out with a fire extinguisher.
Without a police record, the only way to know for sure if your home was used as a meth lab is to have it professionally tested by someone certified to do meth lab testing. That can be pretty expensive depending on where you live.
As a first step, I’d call the health department and tell them that your family has become ill since moving in to your rental home. They may be able to send someone to your home, at no cost to you, to check the air quality in your home. I’d also keep my windows open, as much as possible to help clear the air inside your home.
Secondly, I’d talk to some neighbors and see what they know about the previous occupant of the home you’re renting. If they think that they were meth users, then the fire and rehab of the house leads me to think that you are living in a former meth lab. I hope I’m wrong, but with over 1 million homes in the U.S. having been used for meth, I wouldn’t be surprised by it.
Best of luck to you and your family. If you have any further questions or concerns, feel free to send me another email. God bless.
You need to get out of that place it will damage your health and I am not so sure there is any hope to recover. I have been out of my home for almost 4 months and last month was in ER for Asthma andI have never been diagnosed with such a desease.
Linda, if you suspect that your home was used as a drug lab ( doesn’t matter what drug or how far back in the past) the best advice I can tell you is leave. Save up some money (I know it’s hard times but..) and look for a better place. Even if it means a smaller place we are talking about the well being of you and your children. The best thing you can do is not get involved at all. Stay away from drugs for it wrecks lives in many more ways than one. You don’t really have to give reasons why either if it might jeopardize some relations just say something like you’ve gotten different responsibilities at work and you are wanting to move or perhaps your children are at an age where they would like to live at a different location. The less you say sometimes the better. Hope this helps God bless.
One of your responders suggest you move, and I agree;but, he maintains you keep your mouth shut. No way! If you report this to the landlord to check out and he does not carry through with the investigation; it is imperative your report your concerns to the authorities. Some new family will rent the house (sick house syndrome)and they will have the same reactiion which can lead to a lifelong illness or if they have a weakened immune they could die!would he like his child or grandchildren to move in to this house?
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