There are many types of crime scenes that require safety precautions and professional assistance in the removal of toxic substances like biohazards and chemicals. However, the most notorious hazardous crime scenes requiring professional cleanup are sites previously used as meth labs or other narcotics “cooking” spaces. Meth labs can be found in houses, sheds, garages, apartments, and even vehicles. If these places have been exposed to meth making, all of the spaces are contaminated with dangerous substances even after they have been processed by police and other authorities. At ServiceMaster Professional Cleaning and Restoration, our team of expert technicians are trained to understand where remaining hazards may be at a former meth lab, how to safely remove them, and how to protect themselves from exposure in the cleanup process. Because of this, we are an excellent resource for anyone who needs meth lab removal and trauma cleanup in Exton, PA, and the surrounding Chester County region.
Trauma Cleanup
When meth labs are discovered, the sites are processed by police and crime scene specialists. In most cases, this involves the removal of the bulk of evidence, including lab equipment, chemicals, hazardous material debris, drugs, and containers. The remaining trauma cleanup should not be undertaken by the property owner.
Professional Trauma Cleanup
Professional trauma cleanup is necessary because chemicals and substances used in meth making are caustic, vaporized, or spread in trace amounts throughout a space in other ways. This means soft materials like fabric, surfaces, sinks, drains, HVAC and air filters, and other areas of the building are still contaminated with hazardous materials. That’s where our team of professionals comes in. We have the expertise, gear, and solutions needed to quickly and safely remove residual hazards and keep your indoor space safe after exposure to meth cooking.
EPA and DHS
Some of the most dangerous substances found at former meth lab sites include the following listed by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Department of Human Services (DHS) of Pennsylvania:
- benzene
- methylene chloride
- trichloroethane
- toluene
- paint thinners and other solvents
- phosphorus
- lithium strips
- sodium metal
- anhydrous ammonia
Chemical Exposure
Exposure to these chemicals by themselves or in combination can have serious health impacts. In some cases, acute short-term exposure can even burn skin and cause permanent lung damage. The long-term chronic exposure to trace amounts of these materials is not completely known, but it has been categorized as a severe health risk.
Effects of Exposure
Some of the known effects of exposure to these substances, even in trace amounts for short periods of time, include:
- respiratory problems
- skin and eye irritation
- headaches
- nausea
- dizziness
- lung damage (acute exposure)
- burns (acute exposure)
- possible brain damage or neurological problems (chronic exposure)
Summary
Without the right tools, training, protective gear, and removal procedure, you should not attempt to handle these materials found in a former meth lab. To learn more about our services for meth lab removal and other trauma cleanup in Exton, PA, contact ServiceMaster Professional Cleaning and Restoration at (610) 524-8003 to reach our main office.