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Environmental damage is
another consequence of clandestine meth labs. Meth lab
"cooks" leave approximately six pounds of hazardous toxic waste
for each pound of methamphetamine produced. Lab operators
often pour leftover chemicals and by-products down household
drains, wells, storm drains, or directly onto the ground.
Solvents and other toxic chemicals used in the methamphetamine
manufacturing process pose long-term hazards because they remain
in the soil and groundwater for years. Clean-up costs are
extremely high because contaminated soil, buildings and other
materials must be removed and incinerated. |
