Part A - Society for Public Health Education

Information SheetHelping Communities CombatClandestine Methamphetamine LaboratoriesPart A: An Educational Toolkit for Health EducatorsInformation on First RespondersNote: First responders are likely to be quite knowledgeable about the methamphetamine(meth) problem in your community. It is also likely that they have receivedspecial training on meth users and methamphetamine laboratories (meth labs) andmay have some crucial information to share that would help your efforts.Methamphetamine’s Impact on First RespondersAn epidemic of small-scale clandestine methamphetamine labs is creating a newhazard for first responders, which include law enforcement officers, fire fighters, andemergency medical workers. Meth can be made in any place and at any time. It ismade from readily available toxic and volatile products and chemicals, over-thecountercold medicines containing ephedrine or pseudoephedrine, and commonitems such as glassware, tubing, and coffee filters. The health and safety of firstresponders may be at risk from the meth “cook” and the chemicals and chemicalby-products from meth production in the labs.Key Information Relevant to First RespondersClues to Help Identify a Possible Meth Lab© 2007 Society for Public Health Education• Residence or other building structure with boarded up or blacked outwindows• Hoses or tubing running out of a residence or other building structure• Extension cords running to outbuildings from a residence or other buildingstructure• Excessive trash (including items such as cold medicine packages, antifreezeand drain cleaner containers, coffee filters, batteries, duct tape, and glassbeakers and containers) in or near a residence or other building structurePart A: An Educational Toolkit for Health Educators39