|
Note: The following includes information on many of the routes of
exposure and associated risks. It is not all inclusive, but is
provided as a basic guide.
The chemicals associated with Meth labs have various routes of entry into
your system: Inhalation; Absorption (through skin or mucous membrane);
Ingestion (either intentional or after inhalation); or Injection
(intentional or unintentional needle stick).
No matter the method of entry, once these chemicals are in your system,
they start to be metabolized – some rapidly and some over time. Once they
are metabolized, they are either excreted (through urine, feces, breath or
perspiration) or stored in a person’s liver or bones. Chemicals that are
stored can slowly be released back into the body. Generally,
water-soluble chemicals are often excreted and fat-soluble ones are often
stored.
The effects of
exposure will depend on the duration and route of exposure, the chemical
properties of what you are exposed to and individual variances in the
people exposed, including variables like height, weight, age, gender,
etc.
Both acute (short in
duration, high concentration) and chronic (occurring over a long period of
time and usually low concentration) exposure can lead to severe health
problems. This is especially troublesome for first responders who
repeatedly deal with Meth labs. Some effects are felt immediately; others
may occur weeks, months or even years after exposure.
Meth labs may
include some or all classes of chemicals: corrosive, flammable, reactive
and toxic.
Examples of corrosive chemicals in Meth labs include Hydrochloric
acid or anhydrous ammonia. These chemicals primarily affect skin, mucous
membranes, or lungs. Splashes will cause burns. Vapors will burn nasal
tissue, lungs, eyes.
Flammable chemicals at Meth labs may include ether, Coleman fuel or
methanol. The danger of fire is, obviously, high. The most common route
of exposure to these chemicals is inhalation, but they may also be
absorbed.
Reactive chemicals associated with Meth manufacturing include
lithium and sodium. These are chemicals that will spontaneously ignite on
exposure to air or water.
The primary danger they pose to first responders is the risk of injury
from an explosion or fire; they may also be toxic through absorption or
ingestion.
Toxic
chemicals, those that in relatively small amounts may cause serious health
problems, include Meth itself. The most common exposure comes through
inhalation and ingestion, but may also be absorbed. These chemicals will
affect liver, kidneys and the central nervous system.
Signs of acute exposure include
Inhaled: respiratory irritation, headache.
Absorbed: local skin irritation, ulceration
Ingested: nausea, vomiting.
Signs of chronic exposure include
Inhaled: pulmonary edema, bronchitis, nervous system damage
Absorbed: allergies, chronic skin irritation
Ingested: cancer, liver/kidney necrosis.
To reduce Exposure:
First, avoid exposure as much as possible. Ventilate labs and ID sources
of contamination. Don’t enter a lab area unless necessary.
To minimize exposure, use personal protective equipment as available and
exercise good work practices.
To cut down on inhalation exposure, make use of air-purifying respirators,
disposable masks and powered air-purifying respirators, and self-contained
breathing apparatus (SCBA).
Ways to minimize ingestion exposure include no eating, drinking or smoking
while in the lab. No chewing gum, handling contacts or applying make up.
Methods of minimizing absorption exposure include: Using approved
suits/coats/boots; latex or nitrile gloves. Protect your eyes with
glasses, goggles or face shields. Do not sit or lean on potentially
contaminated surfaces, avoid touching anything you do not have to.
Remember that chemicals are spread throughout the environment when Meth is
being cooked – and residue is found on floors, walls, furniture, inside
appliances and rooms far away from the cook.
Remember to document any exposure and seek medical treatment.
Thanks to the
Center for Environmental Health and Safety/Southern Illinois University,
Ami Ruffing. |
|
