Nature of Clandestine Laboratories and Health Risks

John Howell – Senior Scientist Environmental Health Directorate

Presentation Content

Illicit Drug Production Contamination Process Health Effects Environmental Effects Q & A

Production Process

Can occur in many places around premises & elsewhere: Kitchen, laundry, bathroom, common rooms,

bedrooms Garages, sheds, backyard Bush blocks, vacant land, motel/hotels, vehicles

Useful to have water, electricity, sinks/drainage, ventilation, sealed working areas

Contamination arises from aerosol production, spillage & waste disposal

Spillage/waste is often obvious Aerosol deposition especially meth is often

inconspicuous & pervasive Even only a few small Nazi/birch reactions may

lead to surface contamination of well beyond immediate area

Meth contamination can continue for years

Contamination Process

Range of Chemical Hazards

Toxic gases produced that can cause death or injury (phosphine is the most deadly)

Flammable chemicals used in process Corrosive chemicals such as hydrochloric

and sulfuric acid used for extraction Chemicals may condense on surfaces Unknown hazards from meth by-products

The Nazi or Birch Reduction Method

Most common method in WA Quick, inexpensive, simple & portable Get everything from a hardware store Utilises caustic soda, sulphate of ammonia, LPG,

solvents, lithium metal Generates anhydrous ammonia, hydrogen chloride

gas, toxic reaction waste 30 minute process

Human Exposure

Mainly concerned about house occupants, or frequent visitors

Toddlers particularly vulnerable due to hand-mouth activity, ongoing presence & physiology

Also other children, pregnant women, & infirm Exposure thru dust gas inhalation & inadvertent

ingestion Usually long term exposure the problem tho

occasionally acute eg operator burns, deaths

Short Term Effects

Increased alertness Increased blood pressure, pulse and breathing rate paranoia intense high hallucinations violent behavior loss of appetite acne type sores Convulsions Enlarged pupils Increased feeling of self confidence, well being Sense of power / superiority Increased energy Inability to sleep Hyperactivity Anxiety Irritability Panic attacks

Long Term Effects

Fatal kidney & lung disorders brain damage depressions hallucinations violent & aggressive behavior severe schizophrenia

Other Human Hazards

Electricity Fire/Explosions Trip hazards Needles Structural Animals Operators

Environmental Hazards

Can be in backyard, vacant land, bush areas May be surface but leaching into soil, septics &

groundwater possible May affect environment or people directly tho

usually a lesser concern than residential

Questions and Comments