Meth Lab Decontamination Process

You deserve to live and breathe in an environment that is safe from harmful contaminants caused from Methamphetamine.  For that reason, Traumatic Cleanup & Restoration offers solutions for property decontamination and effective meth cleanup services. Meth is created chemically and the best way to decontaminate is also chemically. As a meth cleanup company, we use a product that was created specifically for removing meth residue. This meth remover smells better, costs less than other products on the market, leaves less sticky residue and simply cleans better than the other removal products on the market.

Making a former meth lab or clandestine chemistry site safer for habitation requires two basic efforts:

Gross chemical removal: TCR contractors remove the obvious dangers from the site, including containers of chemicals, equipment, and apparatus that could be used to make illegal drugs, drug paraphernalia, and other illegal items. This part of the process does not cleanup or remove chemical spills, stains or residue that could be harmful to inhabitants. A property that has had only a gross chemical removal is not fit for habitation.

Clandestine Remediation: The cleaning of interior structures by our EPA-approved technicians includes removing the meth residue and waste from the site after the gross chemical removal is done. A property that has been professionally cleaned up by our technicians should present minimal to no health risk to occupants.

Traumatic Cleanup and Restoration uses a specific and time-tested processing for cleaning and restoring your property after meth has been smoked there or it has been used for meth production. The structure is decontaminated by our highly trained technicians, which generally takes two to five days depending on the size and type of the structure. We follow strict government guidelines for meth cleanups in St Charles, St. Louis and Jefferson counties.

Step One – Inspection of the Meth Contaminated Property

A through on-site inspection is performed to see exactly what needs to be done and to begin documentation for your “Scope of Work”. At this time, Traumatic Cleanup & Restoration utilizes an Industrial or Environmental Hygienist to obtain samples and send them to an Independent Certified lab for testing. TCR highly recommends that a third party, professional Hygienist be used for sampling – this assures that you will get proper, unbiased and legal results.  The test results are usually returned in approx. 5-10 business days. After test results are available, Traumatic Cleanup & Restoration can can then fine tune our “Scope of Work” to address your specific needs.

Step Two – Disposal of the Meth Lab Materials and Waste

Before the decontamination and cleanup of the meth lab area can begin, disposal of all hazardous materials, personal contents, carpeting, padding, wall hangings and any other items requiring special handling must be completed. Current EPA Guidelines recommend that any personal contents be evaluated for disposal and all children’s toys, clothing and furniture be disposed of. None of the contents shall be sold or transferred to anyone other than the owner. Documentation is required to certify proper disposal of all hazardous materials, personal contents, etc. Step Two is removal of all personal items from the structure, clothing, furniture, toys, window coverings, carpet/padding and any porous structure components. Everything must be disposed of properly to prevent any cross-contamination once the cleaning process is started. All contents are disposed of according to EPA Guidelines. Once all the disposal is completed, the structure is ready for meth decontamination.

Step Three – Meth Containment Barriers

Before any decontamination or cleaning work begins, a “Decontamination Chamber” is set up at entry point(s) for safe entry and exit. Then “Containment Barriers” are set up, sealing off of each room or area as well as the HVAC system in the structure to prevent possible cross-contamination.  Using a HEPA Certified vacuum, we vacuum all ceilings, walls, doors, floor surfaces prior to starting any decontamination or cleaning to remove all dust, dirt and particles that may become airborne during the cleaning process. Proper ventilation of the structure is handled using HEPA certified negative pressure air scrubbers during the decontamination process and they are left in place until post test results are available.

Step Four – Meth Decontaminating Solution

We begin by applying our decontamination solution to the entire structure, ceilings, walls, doors, windows and floors, etc. making sure to cover every square inch of the surface. This chemical solution was created specifically for removing meth.  Let the cleaning solution dwell for the recommended time before scrubbing all surfaces. Our cleaning solutions are bio degradable, environmentally friendly and pet safe.

Step Five – Clean Rinse

We rinse the structure with clean fresh water mixed only with a degreaser or detergent to help remove the decontamination solution and contamination.

Step Six – Thorough Cleaning Solution Removal

Final removal of decontamination solution is done by hand using absorbent towels, sponges or squeeges. A second wipedown with a fresh, clean water is then performed by your TCR cleaning technician. Professional water extraction is then performed to remove of any excess amounts of water from the area.

Step Seven – Ventilation

We will allow the structure be ventilated for at least 48-72 hours following meth decontamination to facilitate proper drying. In some cases, the use of fans, air movers and dehumidifiers are set up for a faster drying time. All Decontamination Chambers and Containment Barriers are left in place until post test results are obtained.

Step Eight – Post Testing for Residual Meth

Once the post-testing lab results are received and all areas of the house or structure are below the State or local recommended threshold levels, TCR will prepare our final report and Certificate of Decontamination. These documents will be sent to the property owner, lien holder, the local health department, state health department and the state department of environmental management.

Call Traumatic Cleanup & Restoration for safe, cost effective, professional and discrete service when you have experienced a tragedy or property damage.
(800) 897-4295
(314) 574-5818