Signs of a meth lab

Labs are frequently abandoned and the potentially explosive and very toxic chemicals are left behind. Chemicals may also be burned or dumped in woods or along roads.

• Unusual, strong chemical odors such as ether, ammonia (smells similar to cat urine) and acetone (smells similar to fingernail polish)

• Excess amounts of cold medicines containing ephedrine or pseudoephedrine
 
• Empty pill bottles or blister packs

• Propane/Freon tanks with blue corrosion on fittings or spray-painted or burned, with bent or tampered valves

• Starter-fluid cans opened from the bottom

• Heating sources such as hot plates/torches

• Excess coffee filters

• Excess baggies

• Excess matches

• Excess lithium batteries

• Cookware (Corning type) with white residue

• Glassware, Mason jars or other glass containers

• Plastic tubing

• Funnels

• Hoses leading outside for ventilation

• Soft-drink bottles with hoses running from them

• Drain cleaner, paint thinner, toluene, denatured alcohol, ammonia, acid, starter fluid, antifreeze, hydrogen peroxide, rock salt/iodine

• Lantern or camp-stove fuel

• Iodine- or chemical-stained bathrooms or kitchen fixtures

• Evidence of chemical waste or dumping

• Excessive amounts of trash, particularly chemical containers, coffee filters with red stains, duct-tape rolls, empty cans of paint thinner or pieces of red-stained cloth around the property

• Secretive or unfriendly occupants

• Extensive security measures or attempts to ensure privacy such as “No Trespassing” or “Beware of Dog” signs, fences and large trees or shrubs

• Curtains always drawn or windows blackened or covered with aluminum foil on residences, garages, sheds or other structures

• Increased activity, especially at night

• Frequent visitors, particularly at unusual times

• Renters who pay their landlords in cash

Source: Web site of The Partnership for a Drug-Free America www.drugfree.org/Portal/DrugIssue/MethResources/meth_faq.htm