Meth labs and sharps cleanup

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Meth Labs and Sharps Cleanup Methamphetamine is a highly addictive drug that is made or “cooked’ using unusual ingredients such as ammonia, lithium, anhydrous ammonia, acetone, iodine, pet urine, red phosphorus and ether. Meth, when ingested, has a powerful effect on the central nervous system as a stimulant, which makes the user highly dependent on it. Hence, it leads to high relapse rates, undesirable side effects and consequences.

The production of meth can affect an individual, physically as well as psychologically. It can also have an impact on domestic household (if he/she has immediate family members residing along with him/her), on the environment, as well as the neighborhood. Meth labs do not refer to a conventional laboratory setting – it can range from makeshift operations (huts, vans, cars, garages, etc.) to highly sophisticated rooms. They can be set up in private residences, apartments, hotel rooms and even commercial establishments. There are many ways of taking meth, of which, injection is the most common method, due to which this method gives a quick high or euphoria to the meth user. Hence, during a meth lab detection/cleanup, there is a high likelihood that there will be


sharps strewn all over, trashed haphazardly or hidden in clandestine spaces. The most common type of sharps found in meth labs are hypodermic needles, which are hollow needles used to inject fluids into the body. Hypodermic needles can also be used to inject Dextromethamphetamine (crystal meth). The presence of sharps poses a danger to: house inmates and cleanup agents. The danger is high for children, as they can accidentally get injured by a needle when they play or engage in unsafe handling of the sharp. These being probable, as needles can be mixed with other trash or intentionally hidden in unexpected places. Besides physical injury, getting affected by a needle poses a serious health risk. Getting a prick by a used meth needle, can make it likely that blood borne pathogens have entered your bloodstream, making you contaminated with lethal diseases such as Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C and HIV/AIDS. Individuals who are addicted to meth use needles which are not sterilized and which are shared by others, putting oneself in constant exposure to disease. Handling sharps and needles is one of the many processes of cleaning a meth lab. Hence, meth lab remediation process is an entirely professional job. Cleaning sharps is essential to eliminate exposure to various blood borne pathogens. These sharps will be segregated and disposed using PPE (personal protective equipment) in adherence to strict guidelines and user procedures. The presence of booby traps and clandestine hidden items call for professional intervention in order to prevent any accidental injury/contamination. Bio-Cleanse offer comprehensive services in Meth Lab Cleaning as well as Sharps and Needles Cleanup. Visit www.bio-cleanse.com.au for more information. Or click on Meth Lab Cleanup: http://www.bio-cleanse.com.au/services/meth-labcleaning/ Sharps and Needles Cleanup: http://www.bio-cleanse.com.au/services/sharps-andneedle-clean-up/


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