MSU Extension Emergency Management

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Methamphetamine production is a growing problem in the United States. Production is becoming easier and the cost to produce is relatively inexpensive. Most of the materials needed to produce meth are common household items that can be purchased at a relatively low cost at many local retailers. These growing concerns make it important to for farmers and community members to know what to look for to help stop the production of this drug.

Communities

There are many different signs that can be used to determine if there is a methamphetamine lab in your area. By helping law enforcement to determine where labs are located they are better able to protect your community. However, you must keep in mind that meth labs and the byproducts produced by these labs are very dangerous. Many of the fumes and byproducts of the meth production process are very hazardous and can seriously injure people who come into contact with it. That is why it is important to report a suspected meth lab in your community to the proper authorities so that the lab can be cleaned up safely. Do not go into an area, or touch anything, that was in or around the lab itself. This can be very detrimental to your health. For more information in regard to warning signs and how to identify a clandestine lab please refer to the links below this introduction.

Farmers

It is possible for farmers to become victims or come in contact with producers of methamphetamines. First, chemicals used to produce meth, such as, anhydrous ammonia are found on farms, and theft from portable tanks on the farm is becoming more common-place. Second, Meth producers prefer isolated areas when producing meth. Therefore, farmers must be careful to ensure that isolated areas of their property are not being used for the production of this drug. If their property is being used for the production of meth it could be a very costly process to safely clean up the byproducts of this process. It is also important that the farmer ensures that the tanks they use to store their anhydrous ammonia are safely stored and secure. Both of these possible outcomes could have negative consequences. Farmer should follow the guidelines and safety precautions that can be found in the links provided below.

Teenagers

Meth is a highly addictive and dangerous drug. People who use meth are often not aware of the many dangers associated with its use. The drug produces many negative psychological and physiological effects. There are signs that can identify people who may be using this drug. Prolonged use of this drug can cause psychological effects such as delusions, paranoia, and hallucinations. Causing injury to self and damage to property is one of the most commonly found effects of this drug on its users. Meth can also be deadly to its users either directly or indirectly, through drug overdose or damage to vital organs of the users body.

Meth lab seizures in Michigan show that those responsible for operating labs are typically between the ages of 20 and 40. However, sale of the drug, could impact teens. Educating this age group is critically important to avert association with meth in later years. For more information on methamphetamine, signs of its use, effects on the user, and more please refer to the links that follow.