Articles And Announcements
Meth labs and your
rental properties.
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Dear RSI Client,
As
I am sure you know, recent legislation was introduced that
would directly effect Meth Lab Cleanup.
Representative Mark Cloer
R-Colorado Springs and Senator Mark Hillman R-Elbert
introduced the legislation.
Meth Labs have become a growing problem in the
multi-housing industry. To
better understand the problems of cleanup let’s first look
at meth in general.
Methamphetamine,
also known as "meth," "speed,"
"crank," "crystal" and "ice," is
a very powerful man- made drug that affects the central
nervous system. It
is illegally made, often in makeshift laboratories set up in
rented property such as apartments or hotel rooms. After the
laboratory is shut down, the property is often contaminated
with hazardous chemicals.
No one should enter a place that has been used as a
meth lab unless they are wearing appropriate personal
protection equipment.
Meth
can be made using many different chemical processes.
Most of these include the use of volatile organic
compounds (VOCs), explosives, acids, bases, metals and
chemical salts. Many
steps are involved in making meth, and other harmful chemicals
can be formed during the process.
As a result, hundreds of different chemicals can
contribute to the contamination of a property.
Some
materials in a building such as an apartment can absorb
chemicals. Examples
include carpeting, wallboard, ceiling tile, wood and fabric.
Furniture or draperies also may become contaminated. If
residues enter the heating, ventilation and air-conditioning
system, other areas in a building can become contaminated.
Soil or groundwater may become contaminated if
chemicals are disposed of in a septic system or dumped outside
Exposure
to meth residues may cause symptoms similar to those
experienced by meth users.
Exposure to VOCs may cause symptoms such as nose and
throat irritation, headaches, dizziness, nausea, vomiting,
confusion and breathing difficulties. Benzene is a VOC known
to cause cancer. Acids
or bases will cause a burning sensation on the skin and in
mucous membranes, and can cause severe eye damage.
Exposure to metals and salts can cause a wide range of
health effects including respiratory irritation, decreased
mental function, anemia, kidney damage and birth defects. Lead
and mercury are particularly hazardous.
The
owner of the property is ultimately responsible for the
cleanup. The owner
also may be legally responsible if persons get sick after they
re-enter a contaminated building.
No
clean-up standards exist for many chemicals associated with
meth labs. The new
legislation would give the Board of Health the directive to
set standards for cleanup.
As I understand it, once standards are in place it will
protect property owners from law suits if all cleanup
procedures are followed.
I
hope you find this information useful, if you would like more
information please contact the Colorado Apartment Association.
Remember that our team is available to you should you
have any questions.
Sincerely,
Jeff
Malone
Regional
Marketing Director
Rental
Services Inc.
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