An extremely addictive drug, meth continues to gravely damage the lives of individuals and families in nearly every area of the country. Its production and use has taken a considerable human and environmental toll on local communities. Untrained individuals “cook” meth using toxic chemicals in make-shift laboratories leaving behind dangerous, often hidden residues that threaten the health of all who come into contact with them.
The Problem:
• Meth is cheaper, longer lasting and more addictive than cocaine. For an initial investment of $80, a "cook" can assemble the ingredients and the equipment to operate their own clandestine lab, netting an average of $1,000 in profits. Labs can be set up nearly anywhere – fields, wood, cars – but roughly two-thirds of the labs are found in inhabited houses.
• Meth production produces toxic byproducts and residues that contaminate the premises. They are absorbed into building materials, such as carpet and wall board, and are distributed in the air. And cooks often pour leftovers down drains into nearby plumbing, storm drains or onto the ground, potentially contaminating the soil, water and septic systems.
• Many of the chemicals used and produced during the manufacture of meth are highly volatile and caustic and, upon acute exposure, may damage the skin and lungs.
The Bill:
• Establishes a research program at EPA to determine what chemicals are present and detectable in residential meth labs, adverse health effects of current and former meth labs, and the effectiveness of remediation techniques.
• Establishes voluntary guidelines, based on what’s happening now and this new research program, for meth lab remediation.
• Convenes a conference to allow for the exchange of information between the federal government and state and local government on a program of research, voluntary guidelines and other issues of concern.
• Authorizes funding -- $3 million for EPA and $1.5 million for NIST for each of the FYs 2006 – 2009.