Part A - Society for Public Health Education

Real estate agents selling a home should…Include a search for any evidence of meth lab activity as part of the pre-closingprocess. This search may include checking any available databases for lists of methlab addresses and having environmental site assessors look for evidence of meth labactivity. The National Clandestine Laboratory Register Web site, located at http://www.usdoj.gov/dea/seizures/index.html, says it “contains addresses of some locationswhere law enforcement agencies reported they found chemicals or other items thatindicated the presence of either clandestine drug laboratories or dumpsites.” Realestate agents can also contact their local law enforcement and health department forinformation about meth lab activity.Signs of a Meth UserIf property owners, landlords, orreal estate agents encounter anindividual they suspect is usingmeth, they should not confrontthe individual. They should slowlyand cautiously move away fromthe individual and find a safe placeto call their local law enforcementdepartment.Some of the outward signs that an individualis using meth include the following:• Teeth grinding• Paranoia• Scars or open sores• Rotting teeth• Extremely thin body (i.e., appears tobe wasting away)• Rapid speech• Flushed or tense appearance• Dilated pupils• Bloodshot eyes• Chemical odor on the breath• Excessive sweating© 2007 Society for Public Health Education26 Helping Communities Combat Clandestine Methamphetamine Laboratories