Homepage Meth Labs Superfund Sites Safe Drinking Water Act Nebraska DEQ

Environmental Risk Assessment Important Safety Requirements & Precautions A property owner with knowledge of a clandestine drug lab on his or her property must report the discovery to local law enforcement or to the Nebraska State Patrol within 30 days of discovery. Access to the site must be restricted to only those individuals directly responsible for implementing the cleanup (decontamination) procedures. These individuals must be made award of the health hazards at the site and follow the health and safety procedures (approved by the local public health department). Appropriate warning signs must be posted prominently at all possible points of entry into the site. The signs much state that the property has been contaminated with hazardous materials and must remain in place until the property has been released by the local public health department for human habitation. The structure must be aired out for a minimum of 72 hours before beginning decontamination. Require all individuals who enter the work area to use personal protective equipment (PPE) providing Level C protection. Require all individuals, before leaving the work area, to remove all disposable outer clothing, place clothing in a plastic bag, and properly dispose of them. Complete a thorough assessment of the property for sharps (hypodermic needles). Sharps should not be handled directly. Use tongs or pliers to pick up sharps. Place sharps in a labeled puncture-proof container and seal for proper disposal. All household chemical products must be removed and properly disposed of, along with general site debris, and other items that cannot be property decontaminated. These items include (but are not limited to) window mounted air conditioning units, ceiling fans, drop in or acoustic ceiling tiles, carpeting, drapes, fabric covered furniture, etc. Note: Do not attempt to remove stains from porous fabric items or other items that can be easily disposed of. Some chemicals used in the manufacturing of methamphetamine, such as iodine and red phosphorus, if spilled, result in staining. Attempting to remove these stains can produce toxic and deadly vapors. Contact Susan Dempsey, MS Risk Assessment/Toxicology NE Department of Health & Human Services 301 Centennial Mall South Lincoln, Nebraska 68509 Phone & Fax 402-471-8880 Email: sue.dempsey@dhhs.ne.gov