Fentanyl - Lethal in micro amounts and increasingly found mixed with meth

Meth - For each pound produced, 5-6 lbs of highly toxic waste is generated

The production and use of methamphetamine (meth) across the United States continues to pose considerable challenges to our nation. Meth is easy to make, is highly addictive and its production and use can have serious impacts on both human health and the environment. Despite a decline in domestic meth production in recent years, vigilance is warranted not only because of the destructive nature of meth itself, but also due to the significant environmental hazards meth laboratories (labs) generate.

Contamination

Studies have shown that the smoking of meth alone can produce levels of airborne meth that may result in a general contamination of the structure in which it is smoked (although contamination levels will depend upon how much meth was smoked and the smoker’s technique). Meth labs have significant contamination levels due to the high concentration of raw toxic chemicals being mixed.

Safety Risk

Children may be more vulnerable to environmental exposures than adults because their bodily systems are still developing; they eat more, drink more, and breathe more in proportion to their body size; and their behavior can expose them more to chemicals and organisms. According to the Department of Justice (DOJ) Office of Justice Programs (OJP), children who live in or visit meth labs or are present during drug production face acute health and safety risks. The age-related behaviors of young children (such as frequent hand-to-mouth contact and physical contact with their environment) increase the likelihood that they will inhale, absorb or ingest toxic chemicals, drugs or contaminated food. Their physiological characteristics (such as higher metabolic and respiratory rates and a developing central nervous system) leave them particularly vulnerable to the effects of toxic chemical exposures either in user sites or labs.  

Fentanyl - A Synthetic Opioid approximately 100 times stronger than morphine

The classifications of opioids are as follows; Opioids - such as Morphine, which are naturally derived from the poppy plant, Semi-Synthetic Opioids - such as OxyContin and Hydrocodone, which share same chemical structures as natural opiates but induce a stronger response, and Synthetic Opioids – such as Fentanyl, Carfentanil, Methadone, and Tramadol, which are entirely man-made sharing no chemical structure as natural opiates and are much stronger than semi-synthetic and natural opioids. Fentanyl is approximately 100 times more potent than morphine and 50 times more potent than heroin as an analgesic. It can be absorbed through skin, and is typically used for extreme pain and end of life care.

The Science of Pain

Nociception is the science of how pain works within the body. Nociceptors are millions of nerve endings beneath the skin that communicate ultimately with postsynaptic neurons in the spinal cord sending messages of pain to the brain. The body naturally creates dopamine, which is the pleasure chemical. The slang term “dope”, is derived from this. Consumption of opioids create unnatural dopamine levels. This fills the postsynaptic neurons in the body blocking them from accepting pain messages, therefore relieving pain.

The Danger 

As stated above, fentanyl can be lethal in micro amounts and can be absorbed through skin contact. When consumed in excess, opioids slow the respiratory system down to dangerous levels. In simple terms an opioid overdose makes your body forget to breath and death occurs. Law enforcement reports state they are seeing a major increase of fentanyl being mixed with other illicit drugs such as methamphetamine. When a structure tests positive for meth, it is likely fentanyl is present as well. 

Why you should hire Rapid Response 

Attempting to clean up a meth lab or user site without training could prove fatal results. At Rapid Response we have trained and knowledgable technicians to put you at ease when dealing with a problem as great as this. We apply what we believe to be the best chemicals on the market that neutralize meth and fentanyl residue, and restore structures to a healthy state. We are also listed as a provider for decontamination services on the State of Alaska's Department of Environmental Conservation website. Don't hesitate to call or text for more information!