Meth Labs and Kids
Methamphetamine Labs in homes where children reside
A look at the devastating impact of meth labs where children live
In a MSNBC article in 2006 it was reported that although meth has been around for decades, the latest crisis has spread among white, often poor, usually rural Americans. The drug is rampant in small communities with scant health facilities and few assistance options. Further, traffickers usually move in small circles; cooks often exchange drugs or give them to friends. Because meth can be made in a backyard or a bathroom, families often pass around meth-cooking knowledge in an informal and ever-expanding web of connections.
“If your dad cooks meth in the house, that’s what you’re going to learn to do,” says Lt. Mel Williams of the Sioux City, Iowa, police department, which runs one of the nation’s few local training programs to handle meth.
There are other dangers to children besides “learning the trade.” For example, Maine Drug Enforcement (MDE) Agents receive training two times per year relating to Meth Lab clean up protocol. Listen at Drug Agents Learn To Dismantle Dangerous Meth Labs Reported By: Sara Nics Date Aired: 11/29/2006 on MPBN Radio, [Listen at www.mpbn.net/asx/061129meth.asx ]
The intensive training is as a result of the highly toxic bi-products of meth. MDEA agents are required to wear gloves, bio-hazard suits and independent breathing apparatus. After the MDEA agents have collected evidence, The Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is called in to de-contaminate the scene. The “scene” is often residences, including residences where children live. Darrell Crandall, MDEA Commander for Northern Maine, stated in the above-referenced radio article, that in other states DEA agents entered meth lab residences without wearing protection. “Many of them are now sick, or dead.”
An increasing number of children in the United States are exposed to these toxic chemicals because methamphetamine labs are being operated in or near homes. The children inhale dangerous chemical fumes or ingest toxic chemicals. In addition these children often are abused or neglected by the parents or others who operate these labs. Exposure to these substances can cause serious short term and long term health problems including damage to the brain, liver, kidneys, lungs, eyes and skin. In addition, inhaling or ingesting toxic substances such as those present at meth labs may cause cancer or death.
Children living at meth labs are at increased risk for severe neglect and are more likely to be physically and sexually abused by members of their own family and known individuals at the site. Parents and “caregivers” who are meth dependent typically become careless, irritable and violent, losing their capacity to nurture or protect their children.
In the United States, the last figures available (2002) indicate 15,353 meth lab related incidents. Of those 3,167 affected children. 1,373 children were exposed to toxic chemicals, 1026 children were taken into protective custody, 26 were injured and 2 children were killed. In one example five children ranging in age from 1 to 7 years old were discovered in a one-bedroom home that doubled as a meth lab. The home had no electricity or heat other than a gas stove with the oven door open. Used hypodermic needles and dog feces littered areas of the residence where the children were found playing. The bathroom had sewage backed up in the tub. A subsequent hospital exam revealed that all the children were infected with hepatitis C. The children had needle marks on their feet, legs, hands and arms from accidental contact with syringes. Source: U.S. Department of Justice, OVC Bulletin, p.5 Children at Clandestine Methamphetamine Labs: Helping Meth’s Youngest Victims (June 2003).
Only a few states have enacted legislation that address issues related to children found at meth lab sites including Washington, Idaho and California. In California the “Drug Endangered Child Protection Act” includes enhanced penalties when meth chemicals are found in a structure where a child younger than age 16 is present. More needs to be done.
