METH TESTING AND

REMEDIATION

Meth Testing And Remediating Properties

Accredited Provider
Government of WA Department of Health
Forensic Pathways provides an accredited service for assessing, screening, testing and remediation of properties contaminated with methamphetamine. Our staff have scientific, forensic and legal qualifications setting us apart from the rest of the field. Our staff will attend your property and carry out a thorough visual examination for signs of methamphetamine, use, manufacture and contamination.

The Forensic Assessment involves taking samples to determine if contamination is present. If the property is found to be contaminated, we provide you with a comprehensive Remediation Action Plan which outlines the procedures required to effectively remove the methylamphetamine contamination and any other hazards.

There are four steps in the remediation process. On site survey and Inspection, Forensic Testing and Assessment, Remediation and Decontamination cleaning, followed by Forensic Validation testing. Clandestine Meth labs and methamphetamine users contaminate properties with dangerous toxins and chemicals that attach not only to themselves but to most surfaces within a property, even after the ‘cooking’ apparatus has been removed by police.

The chemicals are transferred through contact, air conditioners and other ventilation systems making contamination widespread and difficult to remove. Properties can also be heavily contaminated by those just smoking or using meth. The meth vapours can pose serious health problems to anyone inhabiting a contaminated property.

Our testing procedure is done in accordance with Australian and International standards. Samples are sent to an independent lab for analysis. In accordance with governmental standards remediation requires decontamination to near non detectable levels. Normal commercial cleaning products have proved ineffective therefore we only employ a specific neutralising agent to ensure the property is decontaminated to safe and accepted levels. We utilise the latest cleaning and testing technology to ensure these standards are met.

Meth Testing and Remediation Process

on site survey and inspection

STEP 1 - ON SITE SURVEY AND INSPECTION

Due to a wide variety of issues, including liability and insurance and a current lack of readily…
forensic testing and assessment

STEP 2 - FORENSIC TESTING & ASSESSMENT

Forensic Pathways offers the highest quality meth clan lab cleaning service available on the market today.
remediation process

STEP 3 - REMEDIATION AND DECONTAMINATION

The remediation (cleaning) process, depending on the site assessment, can include: Removal and disposal…
forensic validation

STEP 4 - FORENSIC VALIDATION TESTING

Following the remediation process, the property will be re-tested and samples sent to an independent laboratory for analysis.

A leading forensic software development company

Forensic Pathways™ is an award winning company, who have been at the forefront of forensic innovation for the last 12 years. Working with forensic professionals across the globe, we offer unique data analysis solutions in the areas of mobile/cell phone forensics and criminal intelligence.

Whether it is through the development of our Forensic Phone Analyser (FPA), the provision of Forensic Image Analyser for image forensics or the world’s first transparent Stepping Plate for crime scene management, our ability to innovate and bring cutting edge technologies to our clients has led to us being the market leading forensic brand in the criminal and business intelligence sector.

forensic pathways team

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FAQs

What is Methamphetamine or meth?

Methylamphetamine or Methamphetamine (Meth), belongs to a class of stimulant drugs known as amphetamines and is highly addictive. Methamphetamine comes in three main forms: powder or pill (speed), a sticky paste (base), and crystal methamphetamine (ice).

Where does Methamphetamine come from?

The majority of methamphetamine seized in Australia originates from China and its provinces. It has become more economical to purchase the finished product from overseas rather than manufacture methamphetamine domestically, and consequently it has become more profitable to sell. The number of clandestine laboratory detections in Western Australia has declined five-fold from the peak in 2010-11. Despite the increasing number of seizures by law enforcement, weights of drug being seized are also increasing. Since 2010-11 there has been a five-fold increase in the number of seizures, and a 19-fold increase in the total weight of seizures.

What are the negative side effect of using meth?

Meth is highly addictive and creates an overwhelming dependence which can only be solved by taking more of the drug. 

Short term effects can be increased wakefulness, decreased apetite, higher blood temperature, irregular heartbeat and raised body temperature whilst long term effects include extreme weight loss, confusion, memory loss, anxiety, intense itching leading to skin sores, paranoia, violence and hallucinations. Meth  is one of the hardest drug additions to effectively manage and for that reason, many meth users end up homeless, in jail or dead. 

What are the health effects with living in a house contamiated with meth?

High levels of meth residue can pose health risks. Chemical residue, left over from the manufacturing and smoking process, can seep into soft furnishings, carpets, timber floors and door frames, and even walls and ceilings. Health issues such as stinging eyes, nose and throat irritation, respiratory problems, rashes, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, confusion, fatigue, blurry vision and headache are common reactions. Children, adults, and pets living in contaminated dwellings have been known to suffer ill-effects of exposure.

What does meth do to the body?

Over the longer term and with regular use, methamphetamine alters the activity of the dopamine system, draining the brain’s dopamine reserve and damaging the ability to produce more. Regular damage can effectively wear out dopamine receptors in the brain, diminishing the brain’s ability to experience pleasure naturally. This leads to users no longer ‘feeling normal’ without methamphetamine, causing re-use and, for some, chronic abuse of the drug.

What are the nicknames and steet names for methamphetamine?

Crystal, Meth, Ice, and Speed are the most common names, but a large number of other nicknames are also used for Methylamphetamine or Methamphetamine, such as:

Batu, Crank, Chalk, Chalk Dust, Chunky Love, Cookies, Cotton Candy, Crystal Glass, Crystal Meth, Christina, Cris, Cristy, Dunk, Gak, Garbage, Geep, Getgo, Getter, Go Fast, Go-Go Juice, Hanyak, Hironpon, Hiropon, Hot Ice, Ice Cream, Junk, Kaksonjae, LA Glass, LA Ice, No Doze, Pookie, Quartz, Rocket Fuel, Scooby Snax. Super Ice, Tina, Trash, Wash, White Cross, and White Crunch.

What are the problems associated with occupying a property contaminated with meth?

Any property used for cooking or smoking meth must be acknowledged as a serious health and bio-hazard risk for current and future occupants. Residue generated in the cooking process can seep into walls, porous materials, furniture, sewage systems and ventilation units causing serious financial and health risks.

Can landlords and Property Managers be held liable for tenant health problems?

Landlords have a legal obligation to provide a safe rental property, while property managers also have a duty of care to protect the health and safety of tenants. Any toxins present a liability risk and allowing a contaminated home to be occupied may breach the Residential Tenancies Act in their state/territory, or break building, environmental and health legislation.