Methamphetamine is a synthetic amphetamine or stimulant that is produced and sold illegally in pill form, capsules, powder, or chunks. Methamphetamine is extremely addictive and can be smoked, snorted, injected, or eaten. Some common street names for Methamphetamine are "crank," "crystal-Methamphetamine," "glass," "ice," "speed," "zip" and "quartz."

Methamphetamine affects the central nervous system and causes the brain to release dopamine, a natural chemical that makes you feel pleasure. Dopamine is vital to normal brain function. The presence of Methamphetamine in the brain causes the brain to release an enzyme that destroys the surplus dopamine in the brain. This enzyme will destroy the brain's ability to produce dopamine over time. The use of Methamphetamine results in a permanent altering of the brain's natural chemistry. In other words, Methamphetamine causes brain damage.

Each time a Methamphetamine user uses, they will need to use more Methamphetamine to achieve the same high that was initially experienced. The more Methamphetamine consumed, the bigger the "crash" when the drug wears off. Methamphetamine users may sleep for long periods at a time or experience what is called "tweaking" when they are "crashing." A "tweaker" is paranoid, delusional and very aggressive.

Methamphetamine dangerously increases a user's heart rate and blood pressure. The extra energy can lead to convulsions and tremors, stroke, heart attack, coma or death. Methamphetamine is more harmful than cocaine and heroin, is highly accessible and cheaper to produce. Methamphetamine causes the body cannibalize itself, taking away appetite for everything except Methamphetamine. Production is on the rise due to the easy accessibility of the key ingredients used in the manufacturing process.

 

Side Effects of Methamphetamine

	Short-term side effects:		Long-term side effects:
	• A false sense of well-being • Convulsions, twitching and jerking • Aggressive behavior • Increased heart rate • Increased muscle tension, grinding of teeth • Stimulation of the adrenal gland • Constriction of blood vessels • Rise in blood pressure • Impaired speech • Dry, itchy skin • Loss of appetite • Hallucinations • Acne, sores • Paranoia • Insomnia			• Malnutrition • Liver damage • Brain damage • Severe weight loss • Fatal kidney and lung disorders • Insomnia • Permanent psychological problems • Lowered resistance to illness • Stroke • Coma • Death

Methamphetamine Lab Components

Some ingredients or equipment that may indicate Methamphetamine lab activity are as follows:

•Pool acid/ Muratic acid • Lye • Acetone • Brake Fluid • Brake Cleaner • Iodine Crystals • Lithium Metal / Lithium Batteries • Lighter Fluid • Drain Cleaners (Drano or Liquid Fire) • Cold Medicine Containing Pseudoephedrine or Ephedrine • Ethyl Ether (Starting Fluid) • Anhydrous Ammonia (stored in propane tanks or coolers) • Sodium Metal • Red Phosphorus • Ephedrine • Laboratory Glassware • Coffee Filters

As you can see "Methamphetamine cookers" can produce large quantities of Methamphetamine by using legal, over-the-counter products. If you suspect someone is involved in the illegal production of Methamphetamine, please contact your local law enforcement agency. In addition, please contact your local law enforcement agency if you see any suspicious persons around an anhydrous ammonia tank possessing a cooler or propane tank

Where are Methamphetamine labs typically found?
Methamphetamine labs turn up in makeshift operations set up in apartments, storage facilities, motel and hotel rooms, campsites, fields, vacant buildings, and vehicles. Discarded lab equipment and chemical waste are also being found in roadside ditches.

 

Methamphetamine and the Environment

Methamphetamine labs have the potential to contaminate drinking water supplies, soil and air, causing a great danger to nearby residences. Methamphetamine labs are highly explosive and can cause health problems including respiratory illness, skin and eye irritation, headaches, nausea and dizziness.

Why the concern about cleaning up clandestine labs?
Properties used to produce Methamphetamine will usually have containers of chemicals such as solvents, ether, paint thinners, phosphorus, acids and bases, or anhydrous ammonia. Other lab equipment, cooking or storage containers, or heat sources may also be present. Typically, the contractor removes the bulk of any lab-related debris such as chemicals and containers after a lab is discovered by law enforcement. However, small amounts of chemicals may have contaminated surfaces, drains, sinks, ventilation systems and absorbent materials (couches, carpets, beds etc.). The Methamphetamine lab contaminants may pose serious health threats to persons exposed to them.
People can be exposed by breathing the air that may contain suspended contaminant particles as dust, by touching surfaces that are contaminated, by eating or drinking from glasses or dishes that have layers of contaminated grime, or by eating or smoking after their hands are in contact with contaminated areas. Furnace air filters and drains may also have contamination in them. Children should never be allowed into these areas until cleaning is finished.

What are the possible health effects from exposure to Methamphetamine lab contaminants?
Many of the contaminants used in Methamphetamine labs can be harmful if people are exposed. Health problems may include breathing problems or respiratory irritation, skin and eye irritation, headaches, nausea and dizziness. High exposures even for a short time can cause death or severe lung damage and skin or throat burns.
Health effects from long-term exposure after Methamphetamine labs have been removed have not been studied extensively. The safest thing to do is make sure the area is cleaned up properly and any remaining contamination removed.