Meth Laboratories Put Responders At Risk

Hazardous events at meth labs are on the rise, putting law enforcement and emergency response personnel at risk. A report from the Hazardous Substances Emergency Events Surveillance (HSEES) indicates that from the period 2000 to June 2004, a total of 1,791 events have occurred in the 16 states that use HSEES. In those events, nearly 960 injuries were reported.1

Customer Type
Police Departments, Drug Task Force Agents, Fire Departments

Application Description
Fewer than 10% of those arrested for manufacturing meth are trained chemists. Meth laboratory operators or “cooks” usually are individuals who have little or no chemical training and simply learned the formula from other meth cooks or the internet.

Many of the chemicals found in these labs are very corrosive or flammable. The vapors that are emitted from the chemical reactions attack mucous membranes, skin, eyes, and respiratory tract. Some chemicals will react with water or other chemicals and cause a fire or explosion.

In addition to the risk of explosive gases, chemical contamination from the hazardous waste of these labs poses a serious threat to the environment and to the health of unsuspecting citizens in nearby communities. Each pound of meth manufactured in a clandestine lab generates up to 5 or more pounds of toxic waste. Clandestine lab operators routinely dump such waste into local streams, rivers, and sewage systems in order to cover up the evidence of their illegal operation. Moreover, chemical reactions that occur during the manufacture of meth produces hazardous vapors that can permeate walls, carpet, plaster and even the wooden structure of the building.

RKI's EAGLE appeared on Law and Order, 11/2004

Hazardous Components of Meth Labs
Pseudoephedrine	Ingestion of doses greater than 240 mg causes hypertension, arrhythmia, anxiety, dizziness, and vomiting.  Ingestion of doses greater than 600 mg can lead to renal failure and seizures.
Acetone/ethyl alcohol	Extremely flammable, posing a fire risk in and around the laboratory.  Inhalation or ingestion of these solvents causes severe gastric irritation, narcosis, or coma.
Freon	Inhalation can cause sudden cardiac arrest or severe lung damage.  It is corrosive if ingested.
Anhydrous ammonia	A colorless gas with a pungent, suffocating odor.  Inhalation causes edema of the respiratory tract and asphyxia.  Contact with vapors damages eyes and mucous membranes.
Red phosphorus	May explode as a result of contact or friction.  Ignites if heated above 260 degrees C.  Vapor from ignited phosphorus severely irritates the nose, throat, lungs, and eyes.
Hypophosphorous acid	Extremely dangerous substitute for red phosphorus. If overheated, deadly phosphine gas is released. Poses a serious fire and explosion hazard.
Lithium metal	Extremely caustic to all body tissues.  Reacts violently with water and poses a fire or explosion hazard.
Hydriodic acid	A corrosive acid with vapors that are irritating to the respiratory system, eyes, and skin.  If ingested, causes severe internal irritation and damage that may cause death.
Iodine crystals	Give off vapor that is irritating to the respiratory system and eyes.  Solid form irritates the eyes and may burn skin. If ingested, causes severe internal damage.
Phenylpropanolamine	Ingestion of doses greater than 75 mg causes hypertension, arrhythmia, anxiety, and dizziness.  Quantities greater than 300 mg can lead to renal failure, seizures, stroke, and death.

Products used in methamphetamine production

Anhydrous Ammonia (fertilizer) Camp Fuel Ephedrine (cold medications) Ether (engine starter) Gas Line Anti-Freeze Hydrochloric Acid (pool supply) Iodine (flakes or crystal) Kitty Litter Lithium (batteries) Lye

Methanol (gasoline additive) Muriatic Acid Pseudoephedrine (cold medication) Red Phosphorus (matches or road flares) Salt (table or rock) Sodium Hydroxide (lye) Sodium Metal Sulfuric Acid (drain cleaner) Toluene (brake cleaner) Trichloroethane (gun cleaner)

Phosphine gas can be produced during the hydriodic acid/red phosphorus method of methamphetamine production. In the presence of water, phosphorous acid does not decompose to phosphine gas, but above 180º C, superheating occurs and aqueous components are driven off, resulting in phosphine gas production. Symptoms of phosphine inhalation include headache, fatigue, weakness, thirst, chest pain, shortness of breath, nausea, vomiting, convulsions, and coma. Many meth chemists (addicts- not real chemists) also die from explosions as a result of the production process.

RKI’s Solution
The EAGLE is equipped with a superior catalytic sensor that makes it capable of monitoring ppm or % LEL levels of combustible gases. By simply pushing one glove-friendly button, the display instantly changes from the % LEL range to the ppm range to detect trace amounts of combustible gases. The EAGLE also has the capability of detecting a wide range of super toxic gases including phosphine and ammonia. Having a single portable instrument with up to six different sensors is a great advantage to a police officer, drug enforcement agent, or fire department in determining the toxicity or flammability of a meth lab before any personnel enters the area.

Equipment Needed
We offer many versions of the EAGLE, which can be customized in terms of the sensors included, for law enforcement agencies. Listed below are some of the more common EAGLE configurations used for meth lab applications. Please consult the factory for other combinations.

Part Number	Sensors
72-5201RK	LEL & PPM HC/O2
72-5427RK	LEL & PPM HC/O2/CO/PH3
72-5528RK	LEL & PPM HC/O2/CO/PH3/NH3