What are Signs of a Meth Lab?

A typical meth lab is a collection of chemical bottles, hoses, glass jars, tubing and pressurized cylinders containing anhydrous ammonia or hydrochloric acid — both highly poisonous and corrosive.

Labs are frequently abandoned, and the toxic chemicals are left behind. Chemicals may also be burned or dumped in woods or along roads.

The most common chemicals used in the meth-making process are over-the-counter cold and asthma medications containing ephedrine or pseudoephedrine.

Here are signs of a meth lab:

  • Unusual strong chemical odors such as ether, ammonia (smells similar to cat urine) and acetone (smells similar to nail polish remover)
  • Large numbers of empty pill bottles or blister packs, especially of cold or asthma medication
  • Propane tanks with blue corrosion on fittings or with bent or tampered valves
  • Heating sources such as hotplates/torches
  • Excess matchbooks
  • Stripped lithium batteries
  • Cookware coated with white residue
  • Mason jars or other glassware
  • Plastic tubing
  • Hoses leading outside for ventilation
  • Soft drink bottles with hoses attached
  • Drain cleaner, paint thinner, toluene, denatured alcohol, ammonia, starter fluid, antifreeze, hydrogen peroxide, rock salt/iodine
  • Lantern or camp stove fuel
  • What does a meth lab smell like?
  • Strong chemical odors such as ether, ammonia (smells like cat urine) and acetone (smells like nail polish remover).
  • Iodine- or chemical-stained bathrooms or kitchen fixtures
  • Excessive amounts of trash, particularly chemical containers, coffee filters with red stains, red-stained cloth and empty duct tape rolls.
  • Secretive or unfriendly occupants
  • Extensive security measures or attempts to ensure privacy such as “No Trespassing” or “Beware of Dog” signs, fences, and large trees or shrubs
  • Curtains always drawn or windows blackened or covered on residences, garages, sheds, or other structures
  • Increased activity, especially at night
  • Frequent visitors, particularly at unusual times
  • Renters who pay their landlords in cash

*** If you suspect a dwelling or property may be an illegal lab, contact your local police, or sheriff’s department. If it’s an emergency, call 911. Do not enter a site that you think may have been used for cooking meth. Meth labs present extreme dangers from explosions and exposure to hazardous chemicals.

What are the health risks if I live in or near a former meth lab?

Meth causes health problems not just for the users, but also for others who are unintentionally exposed to the chemicals.

The risk of injury from chemical exposure depends on the chemical itself, the concentration, the quantity, and the length and route of exposure. Chemicals may enter the body by being breathed, eaten, injected (by a contaminated needle or accidental skin prick), or absorbed by the skin.

Acute Exposure: An acute chemical exposure is one that occurs over a relatively short period of time and may result in health effects. An acute exposure to high levels of contaminants found in meth labs cause shortness of breath, cough, chest pain, dizziness, lack of coordination, chemical irritation, lesions and burns to the skin, eyes, mouth and nose, and in severe cases, death. Acute reactions of this nature could occur during or immediately after a drug bust, before the lab has been ventilated.

Less severe symptoms resulting from a less acute exposure cause headache, nausea, dizziness, and fatigue or lethargy. These symptoms have been known to occur in people who have entered a drug lab after the bust has been completed, but before the property has been adequately cleaned and ventilated. These symptoms usually go away after several hours.

Corrosive Effects: Inhalation or skin exposure may result in injury from corrosive substances present in a meth lab. Symptoms range from shortness of breath, cough, chest pain, to burns to the skin.

Solvents: Exposure to solvents can irritate the skin, mucous membranes, respiratory tract, and cause central nervous system effects. They are also dangerous because of their fire and explosive properties.

Chronic Exposure: Chronic exposure occurs over an extended period of time, such as weeks, months, or years. A chronic health effect is one that usually appears after a lengthy period of time, possibly years. Not much is known about the chronic health effects from these labs. However, there is scientific evidence from animal and human toxicity studies that shows the chemicals used to manufacture meth can cause a range of health effects include cancer, damage to the brain, liver and kidneys, birth defects, and reproductive problems, such as miscarriages.

Reprinted with permission from The Partnership for a Drug-Free America