In recent years, apartment owners and managers have encountered an increasing number of apartment-based illegal “clandestine laboratories” that produce methamphetamine (“crystal meth”), a potent central nervous system stimulant with the potential to cause drug addiction.
While federal, state, and local law enforcement authorities typically handle the initial investigation of such labs, property owners are often responsible for subsequent decontamination, which can be quite costly.
This White Paper lists important signs that apartment owners and property managers should look for if they suspect a clandestine meth lab may exist somewhere on their property.
It also describes typical cleanup procedures for illegal drug labs and surveys how various states are addressing the problem.
This paper also recommends steps for apartment owners and managers who:
Suspect or encounter a clandestine lab, based on federal and state guidance documents; and/or
Need to select a clandestine drug decontamination contractor.
