Most cleanups of Meth
labs will require one or more of the following methods:
Removal:
Furnishings, draperies, carpeting, paneling, wallpaper, etc., that
evaluators believe cannot be cleaned using other methods must be disposed
of according to the type and degree of contamination. Some materials may
not be suitable for landfill disposal but must be disposed of by a
licensed contractor.
Ventilation:
When solvents and other chemicals that may have soaked into the walls are
slowly vaporizing indoors, ventilation may reduce contamination and
decrease odors.
Neutralization:
Where acids or bases have been used, the potential for harmful effects may
be reduced or removed through neutralization. Acids may be neutralized
with solutions of sodium bicarbonate (baking soda), and weakly acidic
solutions of vinegar or acetic acid in water may neutralize bases.
Detergent-Water
Washing:
Some nonporous and semi-porous surfaces, such as floors, tiles, walls and
ceilings, can be scrubbed with detergent and water solutions.
Encapsulation or
Sealing:
Contamination may be covered with layers of oil-based paint, polyurethane
or other materials.
It is important to
keep in mind that the type(s) of cleaning necessary depends on a variety
of factors. What may be appropriate in one situation will not be
acceptable in the next. |