Methamphetamine
Sue Dempsey, MS
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METHAMPHETAMINE
History
Manufacturing
Nebraska’s Regulations
Meth & Your Health
Identification & Hazards
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What is methamphetamine?
• Methamphetamine is a stimulant drug that is a white, bitter-tasting powder or
a pill.
• Crystal methamphetamine is a form of the drug that looks like glass
fragments or shiny, bluish-white rocks.
• It is chemically similar to amphetamine, a drug used to treat ADHD and
narcolepsy.
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History
Ephedra - a shrub used to make tea and to help treat
asthma and congestion.
In 1919 a Japanese chemist synthesizes amphetamine.
World War II - the Japanese and Germans used the
drug to keep tank drivers awake and increase workers'
productivity.
Nazi leaders distributed millions of doses of meth in
tablets to their infantry, sailors and airmen.
The Japanese are reported to have given meth to their
Kamikaze pilots.
After World War II, amphetamine was manufactured,
sold and prescribed in the United States and much of the
world.
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History
Late 1950s - early 1960s – It’s harder for the
medical community to ignore a growing number of
individuals hooked on Benzedrine and Dexedrine,
“amphetamines”.
1960s -1970s - Amphetamine, “speed” or “uppers”,
used by athletes, college students, and truck drivers.
1980 Crystal Meth - West Coast motorcycle gangs
discover ephedrine, in over-the-counter cold
remedies, produces methamphetamine “crystal
meth” with twice the potency.
Methamphetamine is amphetamine with a methyl
group. It's like a high-octane gasoline versus a low-
octane gasoline.
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History
1980s - Enter the Cartels, Jesus and Luis Amezcua (Mexican cocaine traffickers)
become top meth dealers.
Home meth labs also begin spreading throughout the West Coast .
1986 The DEA authors legislation requiring chemical companies to keep sales and
import records for diet pills & cold medicines containing ephedrine and
pseudoephedrine.
Late 1980s - The pharmaceutical industry mounts a strong lobby against the
proposed regulation.
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History
1988 – New law exempts pills from
regulation but importers of raw powders will
have to keep records of purchases and
sales.
Early 1990s - Meth Explodes (literally &
figuratively). Meth cooks switch to using
unregulated pills.
1990s Super Labs - Mexican cartels begins
buying bulk ephedrine powder from factories
overseas.
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History
“Smurfing”
1996 - Congress passes a law regulating
pseudoephedrine sales but exempts foil blister
packs.
Within three years, blister packs of
pseudoephedrine were found in 47% of seized
meth labs.
“Essentially the decision was made to give everyone
time to adjust to the new controls and that's just what
they did." DEA
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History
Congress passed the Combat
Methamphetamine Epidemic Act of 2005.
The law mandates that pseudoephedrine is
sold behind the counter and buyers must sign
a registry.
2005 – Mexico, only licensed pharmacies with
full-time pharmacists can sell medicines
containing pseudoephedrine, reducing retail
outlets selling the drug from 51,000 to 17,000.
2006, The U.N. World Drug Report calls meth
“the most abused hard drug on earth,” with
26 million meth addicts, the combined
number for cocaine and heroin users.
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Cooking Methods
Red Phosphorus, “Mexican” Method, or
Ephedrine/Pseudoephedrine Reduction
High quality and high quantity (pounds) of d-methamphetamine.
Hydriodic acid/red phosphorus. E or P, hydrodic acid, and red phosphorus.
Iodine/red phosphorus. E or P, iodine, and red phosphorus. Hydriodic acid produced from Rx
of iodine, water, and red phosphorus.
Iodine/hypophosphorous acid or “Hypo” Method. E or P, iodine, and hypophosphorous
acid. Hydriodic acid produced from Rx of iodine, water and hypophosphorous acid (more prone
than the red phosphorus methods to cause a fire and deadly phosphine gas).
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Cooking Methods
Birch or “Nazi” Method – High quality, low quantity (ounces) of d-
methamphetamine.
Birch. E or P, anhydrous ammonia, and sodium (Red Devil drain cleaner) or lithium
metal. The method typically used in smaller labs.
Phenyl-2-propanone “P2P” - This method yields lower quality dl-
methamphetamine and traditionally was associated with outlaw motorcycle gangs
(OMGs) but is one of the primary methods used in Mexico.
P2P. Phenyl-2-propanone, aluminum, methylamine, and mercuric acid.
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Cooking Methods
Nitrostyrene Method or the “New P2P” Method
• 2014, benzaldehyde and nitroethane as key precursors and nitrostyrene is
produced in the Rx.
• The nitrostyrene intermediate is then converted into P2P using a second chemical
reaction.
• The primary method of production for samples seized at the U.S.-Mexico border
and also in the interior of the country.
• The new P2P category (nitrostyrene-based) is now in the
majority of methamphetamine made using P2P.
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Cooking Methods
Cold Cook or “Shake n’ Bake” Method – High
quality, low quantity.
Shake n’ Bake. Ephedrine, iodine, and red phosphorus
are mixed in a plastic container, and meth oil precipitates
into another plastic container through a connecting tube.
The oil is heated, typically by sunlight, shaking, or by
burying the containers in hot sand, to produce small
quantities of highly pure d-meth.
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States with Meth Decontamination
Guidance or Regulations
Guidance Only Regulations
Connecticut West Virginia Colorado Washington
New Hampshire Kentucky Utah Oregon
New York Tennessee Wyoming Nebraska
North Carolina Indiana California
Michigan Minnesota Hawaii
Arkansas Wisconsin Alaska
Kansas (use EPA guidance only) New Mexico Idaho
Missouri (disclosure requirement only)
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Meth Lab Decontamination
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Meth Lab Decontamination
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Meth Lab Decontamination
Before
After
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Meth Lab Decontamination
Before
After
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PPE includes disposable outerwear that is hooded,
and poly-coated to protect against the permeation of
liquids and gases (ASTM F1001 certified), a full-face
or half-mask with air purifying combination respirators
for particulates, gases and vapors (NIOSH approved),
two pairs of chemical-resistant gloves (both inner and
outer), and chemical resistant boots.
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Meth Lab Decontamination
For every pound of meth produced
5 to 7 pounds of chemical waste is left behind
1. Restrict access to only those individuals responsible for implementing the
decon.
2. The air distribution system must be isolated between the decon. area and
other residential units, if applicable.
3. Openings, such as doors, must be sealed off between the decon. area and
other areas that have not been contaminated using polyethylene sheeting 4-
mil (0.004 inch) to provide a moisture and vapor barrier.
4. The structure must be aired out for a minimum of 72 hours before beginning
decon. to circulate air out of the structure. The structure must remain secure
during this process.
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Meth Lab Decontamination
5. A visual inspection must be done to determine where clandestine laboratory
chemicals were manufactured, stored, or disposed of.
• Hazardous chemicals and/or chemical storage tanks that may have been
overlooked by response personnel
• The air distribution system
• The ventilation system(s)
• The water supply system (if a private well is present)
• The plumbing and septic system
• Stained porous surfaces
• Burn pits or trash piles
• Areas of suspected soil contamination
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Meth Lab Decontamination
6. Maintain sign-in sheets documenting who enters the property for the
duration of the decon.
7. Require all individuals who enter to wear Level C PPE.
8. Require all individuals, before leaving the work area, to remove all
disposable outer clothing, place clothing in a plastic bag, and properly
dispose of them.
9. Clean the surfaces of all tools and equipment used in the work area prior
to removal from the contaminated property.
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Meth Lab Decontamination
Note: Decontamination may lead to the disturbance of other materials such as
asbestos or lead paint (if the residence is pre-1980) which may require services
by a licensed contractor who specializes in the remediation of these materials.
Phase 1 – Removal of Items for Disposal
1. Complete a thorough assessment of the property for sharps.
2. Remove all household chemical products.
3. Remove and dispose of all general site debris.
4. Remove and dispose of all items that cannot be properly decontaminated;
these items include but are not limited to: window mounted air conditioning
units, ceiling fans, and drop in or acoustic ceiling tiles.
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Meth Lab Decontamination
Phase 1 – Removal of Items for Disposal
5. All fabric items from the cooking area must be removed and disposed of. It
is prohibited to attempt to remove stains from porous fabric items or
other items that can be easily disposed of. Some chemicals, such as
iodine and red phosphorus, if spilled, result in staining. Attempting to
remove these stains can produce toxic and deadly vapors. These
items include but are not limited to: carpeting, drapery, and fabric covered
furniture.
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Meth Lab Decontamination
Phase 1 – Removal of Items for Disposal
6. Dumpsters must be covered and locked prior to landfill disposal.
7. Turn off electricity to the contaminated area if possible, and cover all
electrical outlets and light fixtures to prevent exposure to water during
cleaning.
Phase 2 – Cleaning Procedures
1. Clean one room at a time. When complete, close the door and isolate the
room to prevent recontamination.
2. Use an alkaline aqueous cleaning solution to remove the oily residue that
remains after cooking methamphetamine and for neutralizing
many of the chemical residuals.
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Meth Lab Decontamination
Phase 2 – Cleaning Procedures for the Air Distribution and Ventilation
System(s)
3. The air distribution system and ventilation system(s) must be turned off.
4. All air filters must be removed and properly disposed of and all air registers
must be removed and cleaned (repeat x2).
5. A fan-powered HEPA filtration system must be connected to the ductwork to
develop negative air pressure to aid in removal of particulates.
6. Rotary brushes or other forms of mechanical agitators must be inserted into
all ductwork openings to loosen and remove particulates.
7. All ductwork openings must be sealed off using polyethylene
sheeting with a minimum thickness of 4-mil (0.004 inch).
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Meth Lab Decontamination
Phase 2 – Cleaning Procedures for Removable Items
8. All removable items (for example, appliances, mini-blinds, and, light fixtures),
that are not disposed of must be cleaned by both HEPA vacuuming and one
of the following methods:
• Steam cleaning with a hot water and detergent solution and extraction by
wet vacuum;
• Washing in a washing machine or dishwasher with hot water and a
detergent solution; or
• For non-porous surfaces only, wash by wiping down with hot water and an
alkaline aqueous cleaning solution.
9. These items must then be moved out of the room prior to
decontamination of the ceiling, walls, and floor(s).
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Meth Lab Decontamination
Phase 2 – Surface Cleaning Procedures
10. Cover the floor of the room with polyethylene sheeting 4-mil and tape up onto the
baseboard to contain excess solution while rinsing the ceiling and walls.
11. Spray cleaning solution on all remaining exposed surfaces (ceilings, walls, doors,
windows, and closets) and leave for a minimum of 10 minutes prior to removal.
12. Beginning at the ceiling, all surfaces must be scrubbed, including walls, windows,
doors, and closets.
13. An extraction machine or pressure washer must be used to rinse and extract the
contamination from the scrubbed surfaces. Repeat x2.
14. Remove the polyethylene sheeting and repeat the decontamination process for
the floor.
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Meth Lab Decontamination
Phase 2 – Surface Cleaning Procedures
15. When the cleaning is complete, air-out the site for 24 hours minimum to draw
out excess moisture.
Phase 2 – Plumbing and Septic Cleaning Procedures
16. The accessible plumbing components where chemicals of potential concern
have been disposed of must be cleaned and tested to meet regulatory
standards.
17. The septic system (if present) must be pumped as part of the
decontamination. The system must be pumped prior to site cleaning and
again after completion of site decontamination to avoid
overflow into the absorption field.
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Meth Lab Decontamination
Phase 2 – Soil Decontamination Procedures
18. NDEQ must be consulted regarding removal of contamination in, or
decontamination of burn areas, trash areas, and dump sites.
19. If soil or ground water cleanup is required, please consult
Confirmation “Clearance” Sampling
1. Samples must be analyzed using EPA modified method #8270. Confirmation
sampling is required to ensure that concentrations of the chemicals of
potential concern are not present at the site above the standards outlined in
the regulations.
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Meth Lab Decontamination
Confirmation “Clearance” Sampling
2. All sample locations must be photographed and all samples must be
collected by strict adherence to the sample kit or laboratory instructions.
3. At a minimum, one sample media blank, treated in the same fashion but
without wiping, must be submitted for every ten samples collected.
4. All samples must be obtained, handled, and preserved under a chain-of-
custody (COC) procedure.
5. All samples must be labeled with the site address, sample location, sample
number, date and time of collection, and the name of the sample collector.
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Meth Lab Decontamination
Confirmation “Clearance” Sampling
6. Air Distribution System and Ventilation System(s) - At a minimum, one
100 cm2 wipe sample must be collected and analyzed from the ductwork
directly inside the inlet of the air distribution system and each ventilation
system.
7. Removable Items and Surfaces - At a minimum, one 100 cm2 wipe sample
must be collected and analyzed from all surfaces in the cooking area
(ceiling, floor, & each wall), each room/area at the site, each room/area
served by the air distribution system, and from all removable items that the
property owner would like to retain.
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Alternatives to Cleanup
Demolition
1. An asbestos inspection must be completed prior to
demolition on all properties.
2. All other demolition debris to be removed from the
property needs to be taken to a municipal solid waste
landfill or stored onsite in a locked dumpster until it
can be taken to the landfill.
Fire Training Burn
1. An asbestos inspection must be completed prior to
the fire training burn on all properties.
2. The property can be used for a fire training burn by
obtaining permits from the NDEQ, the State Fire
Marshall, and the local fire department.
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Meth and Your Health
Personality/Physical changes:
• Short-term: breathing issues, skin irritation, headaches, nausea and dizziness,
scabs on skin, strong chemical body odor, unusual obsessive/repetitive or
aggressive behavior, and paranoia/delusions.
• Long-term: loss of weight, withdrawal from activities, rotting teeth, liver and
kidney damage, neurological problems, and an increased risk of cancer.
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ANY
QUESTIONS??
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Sue Dempsey
Risk Assessor/Toxicologist
[email protected]
402-471-8880
dhhs.ne.gov
@NEDHHS NebraskaDHHS @NEDHHS
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Governor Pete Ricketts
Vision: Priorities: We Value:
Grow Nebraska • Efficiency and Effectiveness • The Taxpayer
• Customer Service • Our Team
Mission: • Growth • Simplicity
Create opportunity through • Public Safety • Transparency
more effective, more efficient,
• Reduced Regulatory Burden • Accountability
and customer focused state
government • Integrity
• Respect
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DHHS Accomplishments
• Completed 19 of 25 initiatives in last years’ Business Plan and made substantial • Expanded the use of Alternative Response, which addresses the needs of families
progress on the others. Over 93% of the 213 deliverables were completed. with less severe reports of child abuse and/or neglect so they avoid further
involvement in the child welfare system, to 57 Nebraska counties.
• Implemented Heritage Health, Medicaid’s managed care program integrating
physical, behavioral and pharmacy health services. • Developed a Medicaid Long Term Services and Supports redesign plan outlining
opportunities for improvement and integration of services.
• Launched the Behavioral Health System of Care for children and youth, integrating
services and supports for those with a serious emotional disturbance through • Expanded access to, and enhanced use of, the Prescription Drug Overdose
collaboration with public and private partners. Youth Mobile Crisis Response was Prevention and Prescription Drug Monitoring program by providers.
the first service available statewide.
• Created a more user friendly application process for Developmental Disability
• Improved Economic Assistance ACCESSNebraska average call wait times from services, reducing the number of pages from 14 to 3, and slashing the wait time to
nearly 24 minutes in August 2014 to under the goal of five minutes. determine eligibility from 69 days to 14.
• Since April 2016, ACCESSNebraska has exceeded the federal standard to process • Developed a Centralized Data System across behavioral health system partners,
95% of SNAP applications on time, consistently processing 98%-99% on time. allowing for improved data analysis and service planning for children and adults.
• Expanded Medicaid services for at-risk youth, gaining federal approval for multi- • Achieved national accreditation for the Division of Public Health, meeting national
systemic therapy and functional family therapy. standards and increasing accountability and continuous improvement.
• Established a Family Focused Case Management pilot in North Platte and Omaha, • Simplified licensing applications, streamlined screening, and shortened turnaround
coordinating economic assistance and child welfare services to identify barriers times for nurse, medication aide, and other licensees. The medication aide
and help clients reach self-sufficiency. process decreased from 39 to nine days.
• Developed, gained federal approval for, and implemented Medicaid Developmental
Disabilities Home and Community-Based Services waivers focused on person-
centered, customer-focused planning.
• Reviewed all individuals on the Developmental Disability Registry of Unmet Needs
to better determine service needs, funding source, and utilization data.
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DHHS 2017-2018 Priorities
• Increase availability of community-based services through the Behavioral Health • Reduce single state audit findings and questioned costs.
System of Care for children and youth, reducing reliance on inpatient and residential
services. • Develop a web portal and implement changes to the child and adult abuse central
registry to improve timeliness and accuracy of background checks.
• Keep families together by stabilizing and strengthening families, helping prevent
intergenerational poverty and achieving self-sufficiency. • Improve the integration of community-based behavioral health treatment and fiscal
data through the Centralized Data System and Electronic Billing System.
• Establish the Beatrice State Developmental Center as a statewide resource providing
short term intervention and respite services for individuals with developmental • Develop the data management analytics system and claims broker services as part
disabilities. of the Medicaid Management Information System replacement project.
• Develop a standardized assessment and transition plan as part of the Medicaid • Implement NTRAC, a new Medicaid eligibility and enrollment system to ensure
managed care Long-Term Services and Supports Redesign initiative. compliance with federal requirements.
• Decrease the amount of time that elapses between when an individual accepts a • Decrease the average days waiting for admission to the Lincoln Regional Center for
funding offer for developmental disability services and when services begin. both court-ordered individuals and mental health board-committed individuals.
• Increase the participation of pharmacies and enrollment of eligible users in the • Develop and implement a quality management system for developmental disability
Prescription Drug Monitoring Program, and develop and implement naloxone home and community-based services and intermediate care facility services.
education resources. • Streamline operations to reduce new hire turnover and the average length of time
• Safely prevent and reduce the percent of state wards in out-of-home placements by from job posting to job offer, and to consolidate document imaging and interactive
implementing best-practice interventions and services. voice technologies.
• Implement Alternative Response statewide, resulting in families engaged with • Decrease time for issuing provisional center-based child care program licenses and
Alternative Response more likely to have their children remain in their home six initial certification for community-based developmental disability provider agencies.
months after case closure than families in Traditional Response. • Review child care and preschool regulations
• Develop and implement a web-based portal for caseworkers to use when completing to determine modifications to reduce
a caregiver survey with foster parents in their home, saving 15 minutes per survey. regulatory burden and make them clearer.
• Launch an electronic benefits transfer pilot for the WIC program, known as eWIC,
that will offer flexibility and individualized nutrition education to families as well as
providing additional data for program management.
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