nature of clandestine laboratories and health risks john howell – senior scientist environmental...
TRANSCRIPT
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