Meth Lab Aftermath Products Generally Used in Meth Production · 10/21/2009 · Cruelty group. The animal-rights activists were charged under a terrorism statute with using their

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Meth Lab Aftermath

When cooks make the drugs to feed America’s methamphetamine (meth) habit, it is done using toxic and highly combustible chemicals, in clandestine laboratories, called, meth labs, utilizing heat and chemical reactions to manufacture the finished product. This is proven in a recent mobile home fire in Decatur, Michigan that investigators believe was caused by a meth lab that exploded, severely burning a 22-year-old man. Points to consider: Consider that the chemicals used to produce methamphetamine are extremely hazardous. Some are highly volatile and may ignite or explode if mixed or stored improperly. The chemicals and equipment used to “cook” meth in illegal “chemically dirty" makeshift labs create an immediate danger of explosion and fire. During the Decatur, Michigan investigation, one of the labs reaction vessels suddenly burst into flames endangering deputies on the scene. Furthermore, even when fire or explosion does not occur, methamphetamine production is dangerous. Simply being exposed to the toxic chemicals used to produce the drug poses a variety of health risks. The manufacturing process presents an immediate environmental hazard, what is left behind is equally as toxic. The process also leaves behind waste that contaminates the site, often a house, apartment or other dwelling, and poses a threat both to the environment and the health of future occupants. Several studies involving law enforcement personnel responding to and investigating clandestine laboratories have shown significant evidence of adverse short and long-term health effects, primarily to the respiratory system.

October 21, 2009 b

Products Generally Used in Meth Production o Acetone o Alcohol (isopropyl or rubbing) o Anhydrous ammonia (fertilizer) o Ephedrine (cold medications) o Ether (engine starter) o Hydrochloric acid (pool supply) o Iodine (flakes or crystal) o Kitty litter o Lithium (batteries) o Methanol (gasoline additive) o MSM (nutritional supplement) o Pseudoephedrine (cold

medications) o Red phosphorus (matches, flares) o Salt (table or rock) o Sodium hydroxide (lye) o Sodium metal o Sulfuric acid (drain cleaner) o Toluene (brake cleaner) o Trichloroethane (gun cleaner)


Cyber-Terrorism Convictions Upheld Against Animal-Rights Activists A U.S. appeals court has upheld the 2006 convictions of six members of the Stop Huntingdon Animal Cruelty group. The animal-rights activists were charged under a terrorism statute with using their Web site to incite threats and vandalism against a company that tests products on animals. Points to consider: The Stop Huntingdon group endorsed "electronic civil disobedience", or cyber-attacks, using technology to overwhelm company computers, and post the home addresses of Huntingdon officials and contractors on the group's Web site. Harassment, vandalism and violence sometimes followed. Consider that the Stop Huntingdon Animal Cruelty (SHAC) group have their origin in 1998, in response alleging mistreatment of animals by Huntingdon Life Sciences (HLS), a British-based research firm, outraged animal rights activists in Britain began a campaign, borrowing from the ideology and tactics of ALF and EL). They have quickly become a transatlantic cause among radical animal rights activists, with chapters in Germany, Italy, Portugal and the United States. To date, its activists have claimed responsibility for several bombings and dozens of acts of vandalism and harassment in both the U.S. and Europe. Balloon Odyssey Recently millions of TV viewers worldwide watched in fear thinking a six-year-old boy had climbed into a homemade hot-air balloon and taken off over Colorado. The giant Mylar balloon, reached altitudes of 7,000 feet above the ground, and traveled 50 miles, until it made a soft landing in a field. The boy was never actually in the balloon, found, safe, hiding in a box in the attic of his family home. Points to consider: Part 101 of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations covers balloons. Regarding "unmanned free balloons," they are legal, and no, permits are required, as long as the balloon falls under certain size and weight limits. Be aware that tethered balloons have been used many times in the past by researchers at the Nevada Test Site to carry high altitude detonation of nuclear devices. Consider that with so little regulation the potential for someone to use these balloons for more sinister plans, potentially delivering a nuclear device over a populated area. Even though there is no evidence of the existence of any such plot, the best way to deal with this and other potential threats is not to wait for it to happen but to prevent it. With first responders on the front lines in the battle against terror we must be vigilant, strictly following established Department policies regarding potential terrorist activity observed.

Controversial Films to Be Aired Two controversial films about Radical Islam have aired in other areas of the globe, but not in the US until now. Despite the objections of Muslims who say the movies present a narrow view of their world, the American Life Cable Network plans to air two controversial films "The Third Jihad: Radical Islam's Vision for America," a documentary that states that Islamic terrorists have a 100-year-plan to undermine the United States and rule the world, and another film titled "Obsession: Radical Islam's War against the West".

Points to consider: Be aware of the many instances of over-reaction on the part of radicals within a group: The fire bombing of the London home of a publisher that had purchased the rights to the controversial novel “The Jewel of Medina”, which radicals had called “an attempt to slander the prophet of Islam”, and the 2008 suicide bombing of the Danish embassy in Pakistan, which killed eight and wounded dozens more, apparently in response to the cartoons depicting the prophet Mohammed.


Military Defectors Raise Questions About Nuke Security The revelation that the mastermind of the recent attack on Pakistan's army headquarters was an ex-military officer turned extremist, known as Dr. Usman leads to doubt about the security of Pakistan’s nuclear arsenal and material. He is not alone. In recent months, US and Pakistani military forces have arrested and killed several former or retired Pakistani military officers who are now aiding extremists. Points to consider: The recent attacks by al-Qaeda and Taliban in Pakistan demonstrate the lethal role Pakistani military defectors play in terrorism. These men, trained by the military and privy to both its tactics and its security protocols, constitute one of the most dangerous threats in Pakistan's battle against militancy, and help to explain why Pakistan's insurgency has proved so lethally skilled and resilient. Additionally, consider that Osama Bin Laden has made his own desire for nuclear weapons for use against the US and its allies clear. Bin Laden has in the past called the acquisition of weapons of mass destruction (WMD) a "religious duty,” and has been seeking to buy nuclear weapons or material, and to recruit nuclear expertise, for more than a decade.

“Extremely Dangerous” Storm Weakens The U.S. National Hurricane Center (NHC) in Miami is still tracking what they were calling the strongest storm in the eastern North Pacific Ocean in more than a decade. The storm named Rick was called "extremely dangerous" by the NHC classified as a Category 5 storm, packing, winds 180 mph. The storm has weakened, although its maximum sustained winds have decreased to near 65 mph, as it swirls off Mexico's Pacific coast, forecasters still consider it a dangerous storm. The storm has caused a number of ships to alter their course over the past few days and could veer into the Baja California peninsula dumping 3 to 6 inches of rain in some areas, possibly resulting in flash floods and mud slides. Points to consider: The NHC is still uncertain whether the eye of the storm will make landfall, but the storm's danger should not be underestimated, they say, as Rick will still have the potential as a Category 1 or Category 2 storm to provoke heavy rains, flooding and unleash mudslides. Consider that first responders are a critical part of our country infrastructure when disaster strikes. Each year natural disasters create major problems around the world, with storms and floods dominating the statistics, contributing more than two thirds to the major disasters. When hurricanes move ashore, they bring with them a storm surge of ocean water along the coastline, high winds, tornadoes, and both torrential rains and flooding. Be aware buildings, trees, power lines, roads and bridges may be damaged or destroyed by hurricane-force winds. Additionally, debris from the high winds can damage property, block roads, and bridges. Furthermore, widespread torrential rains often in excess of6 inches can produce deadly and destructive floods, which are not just limited to the coastline, often extending hundreds of miles inland.

Wave of Terror Involves the Horn of Africa Concerned with terrorism in the Horn of Africa, the US has increased its input in the war on terror in the region, announcing a shipment of 40 tons of arms and munitions to Somalia while committing to providing $10 million of aid for a Somali troops.

Points to consider: Home to about 165 million people, the “Horn of Africa”, is plagued by a rare set of disadvantages that makes it ripe to become a breeding ground for radical Islamic fundamentalism. The six countries that make up the Horn: Somalia, Sudan, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Kenya and Djibouti, are seen by many as the next possible front in the war on terrorism. Consider that Osama bin Laden declared his support for Islamic radicals in Somalia and, bin Laden himself has ties to the Horn, having once lived in Sudan. Additionally, Somalia now shelters an estimated 450 foreign fighters some from the United States, and Europe in its training camps. Furthermore, remember the young men from the Somali community in Minneapolis-St Paul area that disappeared over the last year, causing community members and U.S. intelligence officials to fear that they are joining extremist groups in Somalia. Officials are especially concerned that some of the men may be destined to return to the U.S. after they have received terrorist training.


Drugs Gang Shoots Down police chopper A police helicopter flying over a clash between two rival drug gangs in northern Rio de Janeiro, Brazil was hit by gunfire and crashed recently, killing two officers onboard. Points to consider: Killings and other acts of violence associated with drug cartels are on the rise, and intensifying near the border. Near-daily violence in Mexican border towns, have U.S. authorities alarmed by the attacks on police, soldiers, government officials, journalists and other potential opponents. Additionally, the reputed head of Mexico's Sinaloa drug cartel has threatened a more aggressive stance against law enforcement north of the border, instructing associates to use deadly force, if needed, to protect increasingly contested trafficking operations.

RCMP Seize Human Smuggling Ship The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) seized a merchant vessel names Ocean Lady off Vancouver island, carrying 76 suspected illegal migrants from Sri Lanka, trying to reach Canada.

Points to consider: Enforcing the nation’s immigration laws at sea remains one of the US Coast Guard’s missions. Each year, thousands of illegal immigrants are halted before they reach U.S. soil, but many, however, succeed in landing in the U.S. Consider the daunting task of monitoring 12,383 miles of coastline, 300-plus ports, daily arrivals of dozens of foreign ships and 76 million recreational boaters to monitor.

Report: 1.02 billion Undernourished, Highest Number in Four Decades The United Nation’s Food and Agriculture Organization and the World Food Program said recently that their research indicated that 100 million people more than last year are considered undernourished. Points to consider: A recently released report by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) said that a dangerous mix of the global economic slowdown combined with stubbornly high food prices in many countries has pushed more than 100 million more people than last year into chronic hunger and poverty. Consider that in the endnotes of 1980 Presidential Commission on World Hunger it was suggested that efforts to end hunger wouldn't likely succeed without our recognition that doing so would be vital to ensuring our own peace and prosperity. Consider that FAO Director-General Jacques Diouf recently said; “The silent hunger crisis is affecting one sixth of all of humanity, poses a serious risk for world peace and security”. Additionally, in March 2009, the Yemeni Minister of Planning and International Cooperation Deputy Prime Minister Abdul Karim al-Arhabi, warned that poverty is the source of extremism and terrorism in Yemen. For Yemen, the government's resolution to fight terrorism is not enough in the arduous cause, given the fact that poverty is the root cause of terrorism. The Merchant of Terror Mustafa al-Yazid is considered a heavyweight in al-Qaeda, and makes no secret of his contempt for the US, once calling it "the evil empire leading crusades against the Muslims." It is believed that the bespectacled, Egyptian-born al-Yazid used a middleman to contact the chief suspect in the recent New York terror plot, indicating that the al-Qaeda leadership took a keen interest in what U.S. officials have called one of the most serious terrorism threats crafted on U.S. soil since the September11, 2001 attacks. Points to consider: Intelligence officials have said that al-Yazid, used a middleman to contact the Afghan immigrant charged in the NY terror plot. Officials declined to say whether al-Yazid offered him mere encouragement or substantive help with the alleged plot. Al-Yazid, 53, also known as Abu Saeed al-Masri and Sheikh Said, is a well-known al-Qaeda figure. His hatred for the US is well known, once proclaiming in an interview with al-Jazeera television that al-Qaeda would use nuclear weapons in its fight against the United States.


Swine flu Vaccine Delayed The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced recently that, just as the virus has really started to spread, delivery of some swine flu (H1N1) vaccines have been delayed because companies cannot produce it as fast as initially hoped. Points to consider: The CDC announced that while 40 million doses had been anticipated for the end of October, only about 28 to 30 million doses would be available, to be divided around the country by the end of the month, The new count from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention means anxiously awaited flu-shot clinics in some parts of the U.S. may have to be postponed.

Survey: College Mental Health Issues On the Rise According to the Healthy Minds Study, a multicenter study that queries counselors about, among other things, the prevalence of clinical depression, anxiety and eating disorders on campus, more students than ever before are seeking psychiatric help. Points to consider: Experts say they haven't yet examined all the possible reasons behind the surge of mental health issues on campus, but think it doubtful that today's teenagers are more psychologically disturbed than past generations. One explanation that they say seems likely is that better screening and earlier diagnosis of mental illness in high school and before may explain the rise.

Mercury spill Mercury was accidentally spilled recently in a chemical lab on the second floor of the Carver Science Building on the Cheyney University campus, resulting in the evacuation of one floor of the Science Building, and a HAZMAT team called in for cleanup. Points to consider: Mercury (UN 2809) is a heavy silvery-white metal that is liquid at room temperatures. It is commonly used in thermometers, manometers, barometers, and it is present in nearly every chemistry and physics lab. It may be absorbed through intact skin, consider stable under normal temperatures and pressures, but is reactive with oxidizing agents, and metals. For general operating procedures refer to the Emergency Response Guidebook, guide # 172.

Hydrogen Gas Leak Closes Building Firefighters evacuated a building in Charlottesville, VA recently after industrial-sized batteries used as a backup in the event of a power loss over-charged, causing them to overheat, crack their casings and release highly flammable hydrogen gas. Points to consider: Hydrogen is a flammable, colorless, odorless, gas. It poses an immediate fire and explosive hazard. It is much lighter than air and burns with a pale blue, nearly invisible flame. Hydrogen is lighter than air and can accumulate in the upper sections of enclosed spaces. For general operating procedures refer to the Emergency Response Guidebook, guide # 115.

Propane Leak Investigators are still trying to determine if someone might have intentionally opened a propane tank valve resulting in a release of propane gas inside the Whirlpool Corporation plant in Marion County, Ohio recently.

Points to consider: Propane (UN 1075) is odorless, tasteless, and colorless in its natural state; an odorant (ethyl mercapitan) is added similar to natural gas, so that leaks may be detected. Propane is easily ignited, heavier than air, therefore, it may collect in low areas or travel along the ground where an ignition source may be present. Be aware that pressure in a container can build up due to heat, and it may rupture (BLEVE) if pressure relief devices should fail to function. For general operating procedures refer to the Emergency Response Guidebook, guide # 115.


Nicotine Sulfate Spill Emporia firefighters were called to Emporia State University recently after a container of nicotine sulfate spilled in the science building. Fortunately the spill was contained to an isolated chemical room, which enabled a Kansas City hazardous-materials team to easily clean up the spill. Points to consider: Nicotine sulfate (UN1658) is classified an acute poison. Used as a pesticide, or insecticide, it is considered very toxic by inhalation, ingestion and through skin absorption. For general operating procedures refer to the Emergency Response Guidebook, guide # 151.

Chlorine Gas Leak Sickens Three Hospital Patients Three people were sickened by exposure to chlorine gas at the Mercy Hospital-Healthplex in Anderson, Ohio recently. The gas had leaked from a whirlpools water pump, but quickly dissipated once firefighters eliminated the source of the leak, and ventilated the building.

Points to consider: Chlorine gas (UN 1017) is heavier than air, with strong irritating bleach like odor. It is a corrosive and irritating to the eyes, skin and mucous membranes. Chlorine is an oxidizer and may explode or accelerate combustion if in contact with reducing agents. For general operating procedures refer to the Emergency Response Guidebook, guide # 124.

Truck Hauling Hazardous Chemicals Involved in Fatal Accident A Kansas truck driver was traveling southbound on FM 119, about five miles north of Sunray, TX when he lost control of his semi carrying sodium hydroxide. The truck overturned and was struck by a pick-up truck. The impact caused the semi to burst into flames killing the truck driver. Points to consider: Consider that every day, some 800,000 hazardous materials are shipped on the road, carrying everything from chlorine and gasoline to liquefied natural gas and radioactive material, according to a study by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). Sodium hydroxide (Lye) or caustic soda (UN1823) is often used as a drain or pipe cleaner. It is an odorless white solid or a clear to milky solution. It reacts with water or moisture to produce large amounts of heat, and reacts with some metals to produce highly flammable hydrogen gas. It can cause irritation to the skin on contact and is considered an inhalation irritant. For general operating procedures refer the Emergency Response Guidebook, guide # 154.

Traffic Sting Nets Hazardous-Material Trucks During an October 7th operation, Pennsylvania State police and enforcement officers from the Public Utility Commission ordered 100 unsafe hazardous material trucks out of service and issued 451 traffic citations statewide. Points to consider: According to a study by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), every day, some 800,000 hazardous materials are shipped on the road, carrying everything from chlorine and gasoline to liquefied natural gas and radioactive material. Consider that each year, approximately 200 trucks transporting these hazardous materials are involved in fatal accidents, and 5,000 others involved in nonfatal crashes on US highways.

Cargo in UPS Truck Catches Fire A chemical onboard a UPS truck caught fire while it was driving down Interstate 26 in Columbia, SC, recently. Fire crews and a Hazmat team were called to the scene, and extinguished the fire, discovering the origin of the blaze to be the chemical isopropanol, and some alcohol pads. Points to consider: Isopropanol (UN1219) is a colorless flammable liquid with an alcohol-like odor. Flammable liquid and vapor may form explosive peroxides. Vapors are heavier than air and can spread along the ground and collect in low or confined areas. For general operating procedures refer to the Emergency Response Guidebook, guide # 129.


HAZMAT Team Called in For PCP Spill Police called out a Hazmat team recently after a PCP bust in Midwest City, Oklahoma when some of the ingredients spilled as the Officers tried moving the chemicals used to make the drug. Points to consider: Consider that PCP is made, by combining dangerous industrial chemicals including cyanide, a deadly poison, paint remover, motor fuels, and other products. The presence of these ingredients when combined is said to give off strong ammonia like odor, which frequently leads to the discovery of the illegal laboratory.

Propane Leak Leads to Evacuations Nearby residents in Dunellen, NJ was evacuated recently when a passerby reported one of the commercial-grade propane tanks on a Synergy Gas delivery truck was leaking. Points to consider: Firefighters, used two hoses to create a water mist totally engulfed the truck in a water cloud, preventing any ignition sources that might possibly ignite the truck. Consider that propane (UN 1075) is odorless, tasteless, and colorless in its natural state; an odorant (ethyl mercapitan) is added similar to natural gas, so that leaks may be detected. Propane is easily ignited, heavier than air, therefore, it may collect in low areas or travel along the ground where an ignition source may be present. Be aware that pressure in a container can build up due to heat, and it may rupture (BLEVE) if pressure relief devices should fail to function. For general operating procedures refer to the Emergency Response Guidebook, guide # 115.

Shootout at Mall Leaves One Dead One suspect was killed recently as thieves disguised as police bomb squad members traded fire with elite police commandos in the Greenbelt 5 mall in Manila’s Makati financial district in the Philippine’s. Points to consider: There has been a recent trend nationally, where thieves have used explosives or the threat of explosives in the commission of crimes. Consider that recently thieves in Vallejo, California entered the Cash and Go check-cashing business armed with dynamite and a semi automatic handgun to rob customers and employees.

Acid Bomb Blasts Apartment Complex The Orange County Sheriff's bomb squad was called to the Vizcaya Lakes Apartments in Ocoee, Florida after an explosion of an acid bomb in the breezeway of the Orange County apartment complex. Three additional explosive devices were discovered and safely detonated by the bomb squad. Points to consider: Homemade Chemical Bombs are easily constructed out of easily obtainable materials and chemicals. The Internet is loaded with video clips and instructions. Also known as MacGyver bombs or acid bombs are explosive devices created by mixing volatile household chemicals. The products are mixed together and placed in a bottle or other container suitable to containing pressure. The container eventually ruptures violently resulting in overpressure, fragmentation, shrapnel, and potentially creating hazardous materials.

Routine Traffic Stop Nets Explosives Burbank, CA Patrol officers stopped the vehicle for a minor traffic violation, and discovered evidence indicating that the driver, possessed materials to manufacture explosives. A search warrant revealed additional explosive materials and evidence.

Points to consider: Once again more proof that there are no routine calls. A first responder upon arrival should be to perform a size up. This is the first step in gaining control of the situation. If explosive devices are suspected or discovered all civilians and responders should be evacuated from the danger area. Be aware that premature detonation is a common hazard in construction of any homemade bomb, making unintentional detonation incidents common. Remember that upon the discovery of explosives the explosive device shall not be disturbed, and shall be assumed to be dangerous and possibly "booby trapped".


Meth Lab Hazards to Emergency Responders http://mysite.verizon.net/gimpy1/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderfiles/methlabs.pdf

The Terrorist Recognition Handbook http://www.gsnmagazine.com/cms/resources/book-excerpts/440.html

Does Poverty Cause Terrorism? http://www.nber.org/digest/may05/w10859.html

Oil and Gas Pipelines http://www.colorado.edu/hazards/shakeout/pipelines.pdf

Threats.com: Radical animal rights activists http://www.splcenter.org/intel/intelreport/article.jsp?aid=556

Mexico's Drug Cartels http://ftp.fas.org/sgp/crs/row/RL34215.pdf

The IED and VBIED Threat Smart Card http://www.fas.org/irp/doddir/army/ied‐smartcard.pdf

National Hurricane Center http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/

Mexico's Drug Cartels http://ftp.fas.org/sgp/crs/row/RL34215.pdf

Chlorine Gas Exposure http://deploymenthealthlibrary.fhp.osd.mil/products/Chlorine%20Gas%20(300).pdf

Battery Safety http://www.mpoweruk.com/safety.htm

Identifying Hazardous Materials http://www.fireengineering.com/display_article/309119/25/none/none/BRNIS/Haz-Mat-Survival-Tips:-Identifying-Hazardous-Materials

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Meth Lab Aftermath Products Generally Used in Meth Production · 10/21/2009 · Cruelty group. The animal-rights activists were charged under a terrorism statute with using their