Part A - Society for Public Health Education

Acute lead poisoning is another potential risk for methamphetamine abusers, becausea common method of illegal methamphetamine production uses lead acetateas a reagent. There is a danger that production errors may therefore result in methamphetaminecontaminated with lead. Fetal exposure to methamphetamine alsois a significant problem. Research indicates that methamphetamine abuse duringpregnancy may result in prenatal complications, increased rates of premature delivery,and altered neonatal behavioral patterns, such as abnormal reflexes and extremeirritability. Methamphetamine abuse during pregnancy may also be linked to congenitaldeformities.Meth users face some specific issues with the teeth and mouth, commonly referredto as “meth mouth.” Some of the chemicals used to make meth—and thereforefound in meth—can irritate and burn sensitive tissues inside the mouth, createsores, and lead to infection and decay. Meth dries up saliva, leaving the mouthwithout a natural defense against cavities. Users are notorious for treating symptomsof “cottonmouth” with lots of sugary soda, which leads to more tooth decay.Because the drug can make users feel anxious, many users clench or grind theirteeth until they crack. Meth can also cause gum disease by shrinking the vesselsthat supply blood to oral tissues, breaking the tissues down and eventually killingthe user’s oral tissue. Meth mouth can advance so rapidly that those who sufferfrom it may need to have all of their teeth pulled and replaced with dentures.For additional, more detailed information about the clinical presentation, evaluation,and health effects of persons exposed to methamphetamine, refer to Part B ofthis toolkit: “A Guide for Clinicians and Health Care Professionals Responding toMethamphetamine Lab Exposures.”Dangers to ChildrenThe specific dangers to children who live at or visit drug production sites or arepresent during drug production include the following:• Inhalation, absorption, or ingestion of toxic chemicals, drugs, contaminatedfoods, or drink that may result in respiratory difficulties, nausea, chest pain,eye and tissue irritation, chemical burns, and death• Fires and explosions resulting from dangerous methamphetamine productionprocesses• Abuse and neglect by parents who often binge on methamphetamine• Hazardous living conditions (firearms, possible booby traps, poor ventilationand sanitation)© 2007 Society for Public Health Education46 Helping Communities Combat Clandestine Methamphetamine Laboratories