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<br />MAY-02-2003 12:23 <br /> <br />LEAGLE CF m C I TI ES <br /> <br />P.06/25 <br /> <br />irritation bu.'1lS to skin, eyes, nose and mouth.'" I Death is also a possible re;.-ult.12 <br />Long-teIIll exposure to labs, ch=icals and byproducts can result in "liver and <br />kidney damage, neurological problems and an increased risk of cancer."I) <br /> <br />B. Chemical Contamination Danger <br />As discussed above. meth cooking produces solid and liquid wastes that can <br />contaminate a building and its contents, or the groundwater or soil where they are <br />dumped.14 Depending on the location of the drug processing or "coOking" area, <br />the waste disposal area and the ingredient storage area, the following locations <br />may become chemically contaminated: 15 <br /> <br />oors <br />o assware <br />Draperies and otha <br />textile products <br />Drains <br />Vent <br /> <br />Walls <br />Containers <br />allways <br /> <br />Groundwater <br />Adjacent <br />apartments or <br />rooms <br /> <br />sinks <br />Chimney <br />, flues <br />Sewer <br />Common <br />areas of <br />multiple <br />dwelling <br />units <br /> <br />Ceilings <br />Fumi~ <br />High traffic areas 0 <br />dwelling unit <br />Toilets <br />Soil <br /> <br /> <br />Storm sew Septic systems <br />Heating and air-conditioning vents in single <br />or multiple unit dwellings <br /> <br />C. Danger to Spedfl.c People E)I;posed to Meth Labs <br />Melli labs endanger the health and lives of many people. Besides being an <br />obvious danger to the operators of the lab, the danger extends to all pelSOns who <br />come in contact with the lab or the contaminated matetials from the lab. <br />Examples of people at risk in<:lude: <br /> <br />1. Law Enforcement Officials Who Seize Lab <br />It is not uncommon for law enforcement officers sei;;:ing a lab to be <br />effected by the contamination inside. "In :Minnesota, numerous law <br />enforcement officers and staff from hee.lth, social service and other <br />agencies have collapsed or become m at [clandestine drug] lab sites..... <br />Because of the danger to law enforcClIllcot and others entering meth labs <br />soon after seizure, the MiMesota Pollution Control Agency has J <br />established guidelines for fir$t responders entering a suspected lab.'4 <br /> <br />2. Jail and Hospital Staff <br />The health dangers from meth labs are not limited to the lab itself. <br />Because meth residue can contaminate anytlting inside the lab, the cook's <br />clothing can become contaminated. As a result, "(j]ail and hospital staff <br /> <br />.. 3.. <br />