Southwest Michigan’s premier Crime Scene Cleanup, Meth Lab Cleanup, Blood Cleanup & Bio hazard Response.
A CDL is defined by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Authority (DEA) as “an illicit operation consisting of a sufficient combination of apparatus and chemicals that either has been or could be used in the manufacture or synthesis of controlled substances.” CDLs can be found in private residences, motel and hotel rooms, apartments, house trailers, mobile trailers, commercial buildings, cars, boats, and outbuildings such as sheds or pole barns. They are often located in remote areas where telltale odors will not be detected, but they can also be found in multi-family dwellings and hotel or motel rooms where neighbors can be affected by chemical fumes and other contaminants.
The manufacture and use of illegal drugs results in the release of chemical precursors and the drug itself into the indoor air. These chemicals settle out onto walls, floors, other surfaces, furniture and personal belongings. Chemicals can also be spilled or otherwise released onto surfaces. People who enter or live in former CDLs can be exposed to this contamination through breathing the air or touching contaminated surfaces. Small children may be at particular risk of exposure because they engage in behavior that will transfer contaminants from objects or their hands to their mouths where the chemicals are swallowed.
Meth is Hurting Everyone.
Neglect and Abuse
Children whose caregivers use, manufacture or distribute crystal meth are at risk of being abused or neglected. The children’s nutritional needs usually are not met and they might witness violence or be victimized by violence or sexual abuse. They can suffer behavioral and mental health problems as a result of abuse and neglect. Many end up in foster care when child welfare agencies are forced to take them into protective custody.
Exposure to Toxic Chemicals
Children in homes where meth labs operate are at high risk for medical problems caused by exposure to the toxic chemicals used to make meth. Fires and explosions in meth labs cause burn damage to skin and lungs and can result in death. Children with meth poisoning have a rapid heartbeat, agitation, irritability, vomiting and can experience inconsolable crying. The fumes cause headaches, and irritation of the eyes, skin and mucous membranes. Poisonous gases can cause respiratory arrest. Children might consume contaminated food, causing more exposure to the chemicals.
Drug Use or Ingestion
Children in homes where drug use is common are at risk of using drugs and becoming addicted to drugs. Parents sometimes give the children drugs to make them sleep. Test results on children exposed to meth in the home often resemble those of a drug user. However, further tests might be needed to determine if a child is actually using crystal meth. Children who are lethargic, sleepy and experiencing mood swings or unusual behavior should have further testing. Withdrawal symptoms in a child resemble those experienced by adults.
Behavioral and Developmental Problems
Children exposed to crystal meth experience problems as a direct result to their experiences in a drug-using home. They might have developmental or cognitive problems requiring years of special services. Emotionally, the children often suffer depression, shame, worry and guilt. They often have difficulty trusting people and problems socializing with peers. The children might withdraw and prefer to be alone or they might have eating disorders and have difficulty adjusting to change.
