Navigating a Fentanyl or Drug Scene Cleanup: What You Must Know

The amateur drug labs used to manufacture fentanyl and other substances can pose serious risks both to first responders and to other individuals who may come in contact with these crime scenes.  If your property has been used as a location for the manufacture of fentanyl, methamphetamine or other controlled substances, you need professional help to resolve this issue and to restore a safe environment for yourself and others.

What Is Fentanyl?

Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that was once used by doctors to treat patients with severe and chronic pain.  It is about 100 times more powerful than morphine, which has made its manufacture and sale a profitable enterprise for some criminal elements.  The makeshift laboratories used in the production of fentanyl can be severely contaminated with this dangerous substance, which makes them hazardous to HAZMAT technicians, DEA agents and anyone else who comes in contact with these crime scenes.

What Is Methamphetamine?

Methamphetamine is a stimulant that acts on the central nervous system to produce an addictive high.  Both the chemicals used to produce methamphetamine and the drug itself can be harmful.  Like fentanyl, the labs used to create methamphetamine are generally contaminated with chemicals that can be dangerous to those exposed to them.

Do Not Attempt to Clean the Property on Your Own

Highly trained technicians are required to safely and effectively remediate a fentanyl contamination scene.  These individuals are typically certified to remediate drug and meth labs and to safely remove and dispose of biohazardous drug paraphernalia and manufacturing equipment.  If you suspect fentanyl or methamphetamine contamination is present on a property you own, it is essential to contact law enforcement and to enlist the assistance of experienced and trained professionals to neutralize the fentanyl compound and to remove all traces of the drugs safely and effectively.

The Drug Scene Cleanup Process

Because the chemicals used in the production of fentanyl, methamphetamine and other drugs are so toxic, the highly trained technicians who perform this type of work must wear Level A PPE or personal protective equipment.  This equipment usually includes a fully encapsulating chemical protective suit, two layers of chemical-resistant gloves, a positive-pressure self-contained breathing apparatus or respirator and chemical-resistant boots.  This is necessary because of serious health risks that are associated with exposure to fentanyl, methamphetamine and the chemicals used to produce these drugs.

Dangers of Fentanyl and Methamphetamine Drug Scene Cleanup

Some of the most serious risks associated with exposure to fentanyl and methamphetamine drug labs include the following:

• Absorbing even a small amount of fentanyl through the skin or by inhaling it can lead to respiratory issues, which could result in long-term health problems or death.
• Inhalation of the chemicals used in the manufacture of methamphetamine have been shown to cause respiratory difficulties, including coughing, shortness of breath and an increased risk of cancer.  Nausea, headache and long-term damage to the brain, liver and kidneys have also been associated with exposure to this dangerous drug and the chemicals used to make it.

Our Bio-One local office servicing Scranton, Northeast PA, and NY State has been certified to remediate drug and meth labs and is the only way to safely remove and dispose of biohazardous drug paraphernalia, chemical compounds and the equipment used to manufacture these substances.  By enlisting the services of experienced and train professionals, you can resolve fentanyl or methamphetamine contamination in the most effective way possible.  Call us at 570-877-0868 to speak with highly trained technicians.