October 9, 2012

Clandestine Labs

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What Is a Clandestine Lab?

A clandestine lab is any place where illicit drugs—like methamphetamine—are produced. These setups don’t need to look like traditional laboratories. They can be basic, makeshift operations found in ordinary locations.

The production of methamphetamine is not new. Amphetamine was first created in Germany in 1887. Then, methamphetamine followed in Japan in 1919.

For a deeper dive into the history of meth, check out the History Channel, History of Meth.

How Do Clandestine Labs Impact Properties?

Meth labs can be found anywhere—apartments, hotels, mobile homes, even high-end real estate. Some have even been discovered in vehicles.

The cooking process used to make meth leaves behind:

  • Chemical stains
  • Drug paraphernalia
  • Burns on surfaces
  • Toxic fumes (VOCs)
  • Hazardous debris and containers

These residues can cause serious health and safety issues long after the lab is gone.

What If You Suspect Past Meth Activity?

If you think your property may have been used for meth production or drug use, AMEI can help.

We offer:

  • Comprehensive property inspections
  • Sampling to detect methamphetamine and other drug residues
  • Third Party Lab analysis
  • Detailed reports with cleanup recommendations according to current recommendations & guidelines

Our assessments may involve sampling from walls, HVAC systems, bathrooms, kitchens, and other surfaces.

Regulations You Should Know

Some cities and counties in Kansas are now enforcing specific ordinances for properties tied to drug production. These are often based on or even stricter than Colorado’s meth lab cleanup regulations.

Helpful resources:

No Visible Signs? Residue May Still Be There

Even when there’s no obvious evidence of a meth lab, contamination may still exist. Our team has inspected many homes and vehicles suspected of drug use—not just production.

In many of these cases, surface testing revealed meth residue well above the threshold of 1.5 µg/100 cm². We’ve found contamination on:

  • Walls and ceilings
  • Cabinets and countertops
  • Kitchen appliances and bathroom fixtures
  • HVAC systems and ductwork
  • And many other surfaces

These findings point to a growing problem—properties contaminated not by meth production, but by usage.

Take Action Now

If you suspect your property has been affected by meth production or use, don’t wait.

Contact AMEI today for a professional inspection and peace of mind. Our certified team is ready to help you uncover contamination and guide you through safe, effective remediation.

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