The National Drug Intelligence Center and the U.S. Department of Justice call "meth" the number one drug threat in our state, and this illegal drug is being manufactured in homes, motels, and even cars. Many upscale homes have harbored labs.

After the equipment and chemicals from the illegal lab have been removed, residue from the various chemicals may still be present in the building, on surfaces, furnishing or household items. Fumes and gases can penetrate just about any surface that's in the house, and areas where significant spills and saturation may have occurred will likely retain residual amounts. For every pound of methamphetamine produced, an estimated five to six pounds of toxic waste are left behind.

At this time there is no law requiring homeowners who sell to inform the buyer that "meth" was "cooked" in the house. Unfortunately, some people unknowingly purchase homes that have been used as "meth labs" and become sick after they've moved in. All of their belongings can become contaminated and must be disposed of.

There are environmental companies trained in hazardous substance removal and clean-up. The first step however, is testing to determine if there are any hazards to you or your family.

For more information about methamphetamine, click here.