Pioneers of state certified meth lab cleanup in Washington leading the way since 2000.”
Bio Clean, Inc. has been working in Washington State to decontaminate and cleanup meth lab sites since 2000. As a state-certified meth lab remediation contractor, BCI removes the sources of contamination and then decontaminates the area, making it a safe environment once again.
What is Meth?
Methamphetamine is a street drug commonly called “meth.” Meth is a highly addictive drug that results in a variety of health problems not only for the user, but also for anyone who is exposed to it secondhand. This includes the maker of the methamphetamine and any who are in close proximity to someone who is manufacturing meth.
Once a space or area has been contaminated with methamphetamine residue, it must be decontaminated. A residue and residual amount of the harmful chemicals remains behind to damage the health of those still occupying the space along with damaging the property.
When meth is smoked, snorted, swallowed, or injected it can result in:
- Damage to the liver
- Kidney problems
- Lung disorders
- Psychological illness
- Coma
- Death
- When injected, infectious diseases can result from contaminated needles
- Some of the short term side effects:
- Loss of memory
- Aggressiveness
- Chest pain and/or shortness of breath
- Twitches, jerking,
- Itchy, burning skin or eyes
Methamphetamine is a man-made stimulant that is a combination of many chemicals, and the drug itself varies greatly in chemical composition based on the recipe used to manufacture it. Meth can be pink, red white, brown, or shades of yellow or green. It is produced in many forms, including pills, powder, or chunks. It is referred to as ice, chalk, crystal, crank, glass, and speed.
It can also be a potential threat to new renters or homeowners. If a property has been used as a meth lab, then it must be decontaminated otherwise the residue it leaves behind (in carpet, drapes, on surfaces such as blinds, walls, counters, etc.) can harm anyone residing on the property.
What is a meth lab?
The meth lab is where methamphetamine is produced. These labs are not legitimate laboratories, but rather homemade versions that lack many important safety features.
The materials used to cook meth can be bought at local stores, and anyone can go online to find the recipes for making meth. Some of the ingredients are actually household products that, when used properly, are safe. When these substances are mixed with other ingredients and cooked, though, chemical reactions occur. The result is often hazardous and unpredictable. Meth labs are known to cause chemical fires, toxic gases, and even explosions. Additionally, liquid and solid wastes are also produced in the process, and these byproducts can contaminate buildings, groundwater, and soil.
Meth laboratories can be found virtually anywhere. They may be located in a home, trailer, vehicle, or motel room. Sometimes, people live next door to one without knowing it exists. Be aware of the signs and report any suspicious activity to your local law enforcement for investigation. Some signs of a meth lab are:
- Blacked out windows
- Lots of trash with items such as drain cleaners, duct tape, antifreeze containers, coffee filters stained red
- In and out people traffic, especially at night
- Strong odors like ammonia
- Items such as Freon, Heet Lye, Drano, starting fluid, ether, battery acid, rock salt, hot plates
The Meth Myth – BUSTED
So often BCI runs into individuals who believe that having a meth lab on their property is worse than the actual usage of methamphetamine within their property. BCI is here to bust this myth. The contaminants of meth production and meth usage residue are equally damaging to both people and properties. While each carry their own set of risks, the meth residue from usage (smoking) is equally as harmful as the meth residue left behind from manufacturing.
Manufacturing or cooking meth is dangerous and toxic. The byproducts created as a result of the process are not disposed of properly and leave a lingering toxic footprint on any area in which the manufacturing occurred.
Five to seven pounds of chemical waste results from each pound of methamphetamine produced. Some of these chemical byproducts include hydrochloric acid, phosphoric acid, chloroform, and many other poisonous compounds. These chemicals are harmful to people, pets, and wildlife.
Even after the lab has been disbanded, the residue is still present and can cause anyone who enter’s the property several harmful side affects including but not limited to:
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Itchy and sore eyes and skin
- Respiratory and breathing problems
The meth lab site is host to a myriad of problems. The entire structure and its contents are potentially contaminated—from furniture to drywall to plumbing. It is also possible for the contamination to spread from the site itself to surrounding areas as well.
It is very important to have the property that has been contaminated by either a meth lab or by the usage of meth decontaminated by a company that is certified to do the cleanup the proper way. That company is Bio Clean, Inc.
Do you suspect your property has been contaminated?
Did law enforcement or neighbors tell you that your tenants are doing meth inside your rental property? Did you find signs of a meth lab in your structure or on your property? Have the property tested to be sure.
When the determination is made that a property has been contaminated, no portion of the property can be used until decontamination has occurred. A notification is posted on the property to prevent anyone from entering the area. All occupants of the property and all people who have a recorded right estate, lien, tittle or interest in the property must also be notified.
Remediation services include:
- Site inspection — Every meth lab cleanup is different. The purpose of the site inspection is to determine the most effective method to decontaminate the premises. Before beginning the cleaning, it is necessary to identify any additional hazards that may be present. This process includes reading the law enforcement reports to learn which chemicals were used. That information is used to determine the safest and most cost-effective approach to decontamination.
- Testing — BCI uses the wipe method for sampling along with photo documentation of every area tested. The wipes are then sent to a local, accredited laboratory for testing and the results are sent back to BCI where a report for the client is generated.
- Cleaning — Bio Clean’s highly-trained and certified technicians will dispose of anything that could have absorbed the toxic chemicals used in the meth lab. This ranges from carpeting, furniture, and light fixtures to flooring and drywall. In some cases, the plumbing, A/C, or heating systems may also need remediation. In addition, Bio Clean’s team will remove yard debris.
- Post-cleaning testing and reports — The home or structure must be retested and certified as usable. You will receive the reports reflecting the results of the tests to keep for your records.
Site Inspection and Testing
BCI is certified through the Washington State Department of Health Clandestine Drug Laboratory Cleanup Contractor Program. We will come out and assess your property which includes a visual inspection along with sampling using the wipe sample method to determine if there is methamphetamine reside present in the property along with photo documentation of all samples.
The wipe samples are then sent to an accredited laboratory right here in Washington State for analysis. Once the results have been received, BCI will generate a report with all the findings from the lab along with their expert recommendations on how to remediate your property. If the situation calls for it, BCI works closely with Certified Industrial Hygienists to ensure that any hazardous residue has been removed. From day of sampling to issuing the full report takes on average 5-7 business days.
Cleaning and Post Testing
After meth residue has been confirmed in or around the property, decontamination needs to begin. Any structures (if the residue was found in a home, trailer, or other structure, for example) that tested positive will need to be cleaned according to the levels of contamination.
BCI can do as little or as much as needed depending on the levels that come back from the lab on how much contamination has occurred in or around the property. Washington State methamphetamine cleanup guideline is 1.5 μg/l00 cm2. Anything above these levels requires state-certified drug lab remediation contractors to preform the cleanup.
There are three methods of cleanup depending on the levels found within the property by the state accredited lab. Option one is to wash and decontaminate the structure which includes removing all porous materials, then washing the remaining structures three times. Option two is in combination with option one but everything would be removed down to the wood frame. Washing would then be done on the remaining wood structure along with windows and subfloors. The third option would be complete demolition of the property. BCI will also cleanup any debris left in the yard from the suspects/past tenants that could also be contaminated.
Bio Clean’s meth lab cleanup process is regulated by WISHA and certified by The Washington State Health Department and are licensed, insured, and bonded. The Department of Ecology is also involved in the cleanup process as to make sure any environmental hazards are regulated and remediated properly.
After the cleanup, Bio Clean will send out complete reports recounting the entire process from beginning to end for your records.
Why Choose BCI?
BCI is a leader in meth lab cleanup in Washington State. Recognized for our customer service, we explain the process to you from start to finish so you are aware of all that is involved before we even start working. Personal information is always kept confidential. BCI is here for you, not for headlines or sensationalism. Theresa and our team see what our clients go through and understand that this is a very difficult time. We offer only our best and utmost diligence to restoring your property to usability. Bio Clean has been leading the way in meth lab cleanup in Washington since 2000. With over 17 years of experience and knowledge, we are the company you want helping you in your time of need.
Our staff here at Bio Clean, Inc. provides services seven days a week, 24 hours a day. We work closely with your home owner’s insurance so that we can take care of as much of the stress as possible in your time of need. Our response time is immediate, and our professionalism is unmatched. We work discreetly, efficiently, and effectively.