• WHAT IS METHAMPHETAMINE?
• WHAT CHEMICALS IS METH MADE FROM?
• 5 STEPS OF METH PRODUCTION
• METH INGREDIENTS & CHEMICALS COMMONONLY USED
• PARENTS TEST

WHAT IS METHAMPHETAMINE?

Methamphetamine, an illegal substance also known as "meth," "speed," "crank," "crystal," and "ice", is a potent synthetic drug that is a stimulant of the central nervous system. The effects of meth are similar to those of cocaine. It gives the user a "rush" or intense feeling of pleasure that lasts longer than cocaine. Meth is an increasingly popular drug that can be injected, snorted, taken orally, or smoked. Long-term use leads to physical dependence. Meth may give a person periods of high energy and rapid speech. Many chronic meth users also experience severe depression, delusions, hallucinations, paranoia, and violent behavior. For this reason, you should never enter an active meth lab. Contact your local law enforcement immediately.

Meth is often made in makeshift laboratories, such as rented apartments or hotel rooms. During the production of meth, a property can become contaminated with hazardous chemicals.

WHAT CHEMICALS IS METH MADE FROM?

There are many different chemical "recipes" for making or "cooking" meth. Each uses different ingredients. Many chemicals used in meth labs are also common in homes. However, the poor handling and disposal of these chemicals, as well as mixing incompatible compounds, can create hazards. Some examples of common household chemicals used in a meth lab include flammable, volatile solvents, such as methanol, ether, benzene, methylene chloride, trichloroethane, and toluene. Other common household chemicals include muriatic acid, sodium hydroxide, table salt, and ammonia.

Meth-related chemicals not commonly found in large amounts in homes include anhydrous ammonia, red phosphorous, iodine, reactive metals, and other solvents not listed above. Additionally, other hazardous chemicals can be formed during the "cooking" process.

As a result of meth "cooking", many chemicals may contaminate a property. Some household materials, such as carpeting, wallboard, ceiling tile, or fabric, may actually absorb spilled chemicals. Furniture or draperies may also become contaminated. Soil or groundwater (including nearby drinking water wells) may become contaminated if chemicals are dumped in a septic system or on the ground.