Why Meth Labs are Dangerous for Children

Methamphetamine laboratories pose health hazards to its occupants as

well as people living in the immediate neighbourhood. A child, who

lives in a meth lab or around one, is susceptible to the health hazards,

as his/her body is in the developmental stage. Not only meth can cause

a serious negative effect on the body of the child, but also cognitive,

social and behavioural functions. Therefore, it is imperative to detect

clandestine meth labs and get them evacuated or cleaned to avoid

chronic impairment to the inmates, most particularly children.

Following are reasons why meth labs are a red signal zone for children.

A lot of unusual chemicals go in the process of cooking meth

such as ammonia, ether, methylene chloride, iodine, benzene,

methanol, red phosphorus, besides others. A child living in a

clandestine meth home is directly exposed to these harmful

chemicals. Since the meth home usually has windows which are

carpeted to avoid detection, the vapours remain trapped inside.

They get absorbed in rugs, crevices and clothing. When these

substances are inhaled, they can be potentially dangerous. Mild

effects range from headache to nausea to dizziness, whereas

high dosages can cause coughing, lack of breath, chest pain,

irritation and even death. In the long run, it can worsen to brain

damage and cancer.

Disposal of meth waste materials make it impossible for children

to have a safe recreational area. They are prone to unsafe

handling of needles and sharps which can cause injuries as well

as contamination of infections.

In this scenario, parents usually fall under the category of

neglectful parenting. They are typically irritable, violent and

apathetic to their children’s health security. Children are likely to

be abused by their parents. In such situations, the elder sibling

becomes the caretaker of his/her younger siblings or the child

becomes the caretaker of the parents, as living conditions are

sub-par for a healthy lifestyle or domestic bliss.

Children are forced to coexist with clutter and all cooking

paraphernalia used in meth labs. Owing to poor lighting and

dreadful sanitary conditions, these homes are infested with

rodents, fleas, roaches and fleas. These can harm the child and

expose him/her to various infections. Due to their juvenile

nature, unsafe handling of meth lab cooking paraphernalia can

be potentially dangerous to them.

Children are likely to become antisocial and get into substance

abuse themselves, by imitating their elders.

Bio-Cleanse Pty Ltd offers comprehensive services in cleaning Meth

labs. Visit http://www.bio-cleanse.com.au/services/meth-lab-

cleaning/ for more information.