Post on 17-Dec-2015
transcript
Clandestine Meth Labs
Ken Niswonger, Senior Chemist
Compliance Assistance and Technical Support UnitHazardous Materials and Waste Management Division
Colorado Department of Public Health And Environment
Meth Production in Colorado
• Growing problem• Clandestine meth lab seizures in Colorado:
– 150 in 1999– 264 in 2000– 452 in 2001
What is Methamphetamine?• Powerful, addictive stimulant drug
• Illegally “cooked” in makeshift labs
• Pills, capsules, powder or chunks
• Smoked, snorted, injected, or eaten
• a.k.a. crank, speed, crystal or ice
• Euphoria, paranoia, anxiety, aggression
Nagai: HI and red P, Acid XI and Red P, or XI and H2PO2
Birch: Li or Na metal + NH 3 (gas)
Rosenmund: H2 (gas) + Pd ,Ga etc
Emde: SOCl2 or PCl5 + LiAlH4
Prevalent Clandestine Production of Methamphetamine
Nagai: HI and red P, Acid XI and Red P, or XI and H2PO2
Birch: Li or Na metal + NH 3 (gas)
Prevalent Clandestine Production of Methamphetamine
Red Phosphorus , Red, White, and Blue Method “ HI “ Method
Ammonia Method“Nazi”Shake and Bake Method
Prevalent Clandestine Production of Methamphetamine
What is the Concern ?
Active Meth Labs:
• Danger of fire and explosion • Chemical spills• Inhalation of solvents, corrosives,
toxic gases• “Booby traps”• Waste disposal
What is the Concern ?
Former Meth Labs:
• Vapors
• Chemical residues
• Methamphetamine residues
• Waste Disposal
Equipment Used in Meth Production
• Pyrex or Corning dishes• Plastic or rubber tubing• Rubber gloves• Glass containers (all types)• Funnels• Propane tanks• Coffee filters• Hot plates
How is Meth Produced?• Basic Process:
– Solvent extraction of ephedrine
– Filter out and evaporate or cook off solvent
– “Cook” – Red Phosphorous or Nazi method
– Solvent extraction of meth base
– Separate solvent layer with meth
– “Salt out” meth using hydrogen chloride gas
Production Chemicals
Red P Method Nazi
Ephedrine or pseudoephedrine (cold tablets)
HI, HCl, H2SO4,, H2PO2 Anhy Ammonia
Acetic and H3PO4 Li/Na metal
NaOH and NaCl HCl, H2SO4
Red P and Iodine NaClHost of Solvents Host of SolventsHydrogen peroxide
By-products and Contaminants
• Iodine/iodinated compounds
• Phosphine gas (from overheating)
• Yellow or white phosphorous (from overheating)
• Hydriodic acid gas
• Hydrogen chloride gas
• Phosphoric acid gas
• Meth residues
Warning Signs of Suspected Meth Labs
• Strong or unusual odors: solvents, ammonia, ether-like, vinegar-like, pungent, acrid or sour
• Discoloration of structures, pavement or soil
• Increased activity, especially at night
• Unusual security systems or other devices
Potential Areas of Contamination
• Primary Areas:
– Processing or “cooking” areas
– Disposal areas
– Storage areas
Potential Areas of Contamination
• Secondary Areas:
– Locations where contamination has migrated
– Common areas in multiple dwelling structures
– Common ventilation or plumbing systems
Authority to Require Cleanup• Currently no state statute that specifically
authorizes state or local authorities to require cleanup
• Some local agencies have independent authority to require cleanup
• House Bill 1115 would have created statewide authority for local governments to require cleanup
• House Bill 1115 would have authorized the State Board of Health to establish cleanup levels
Cleanup of Meth Labs• Developing guidance on cleanup
procedures and levels
– Structures:• General cleanup
• Indoor air
– Outdoor storage and/or disposal areas:• Soil
• Groundwater
• Surface water
Cleanup Levels for Structures• CDPHE has health-based indoor air levels for
only a few of the meth lab contaminants• CDPHE proposed cleanup level for meth of
0.5 ug/ft2
• Several other states have established cleanup levels:– Kansas –
• Compound-specific concentrations• Derived from occupational exposure limits (OSHA,
NIOSH, ATSDR)
Disposal of Residual Meth Lab Waste at the Landfill
• Demolition debris• Furniture• Carpeting• Drapes and shades• Clothing• Lab equipment-after bulk chemical removal• Disposal of bulk liquids and chemicals are
prohibited at a solid waste landfill
Who Should I Contact?
• Local law enforcement or drug task force– Process crime scene
• Local HAZMAT team– Proper handling and removal of chemicals and
equipment
• Local oversight agency (i.e., health department)– Oversee cleanup of structures
• CDPHE - Hazardous Materials and Waste Management Division– Oversee cleanup of soil and water
Law Enforcement Resources• Local law enforcement
– Local meth lab response• Local drug task forces
– Multi-jurisdictional meth lab response
• Colorado Highway Patrol– Response on Colorado highways
• DEA– Response in areas not covered by local law enforcement or a
local task force
• Rocky Mountain HIDTA– Established by the Office of National Drug Control Policy– Facilitates cooperation and coordination between local, state,
and federal drug enforcement agencies