New Meth Test
Reported March 2008
THORNTON, Colo. (Ivanhoe Newswire) -- The country continues to face residual problems from methamphetamine labs -- makeshift laboratories pose dangers to both the public and police. But now, a new tool that works like a home pregnancy kit can detect dangerous drugs on-the-spot.
It can happen even in your neighborhood -- illegal drug labs pop up everywhere.
Criminals cook up methamphetamine, or meth, leaving a dangerous residue behind. This puts police, fire and other first responders unknowingly at risk of exposure to these toxic chemicals.
"They are very carcinogenic substances. The gases are very carcinogenic," says Patrick Murphy, a detective at the North Metro Drug Task Force in Thornton, Colo.
But now, a handy test called "meth check" has been developed by industrial hygienists at the centers for disease control (CDC).
First, the contaminated surface is swabbed. The sample is treated with chemicals and much like a small home pregnancy test, a color change confirms meth is present.
Meth is made with common household products that when combined can be deadly.
"The advantage to this is you're not waiting for lab tests. You are not waiting for the report that the lab sends back to you, which can take anywhere from three days, to five days to a week," says Eric Esswein, Senior Industrial Hygienist at the CDC.
"It would be a great tool for law enforcement to use to go in get some presumptive samples," says Murphy.
Meth check is helping officers stay safe to do their job. The test has also been used by landlords, real estate agents -- anyone who wants to know if meth is present. The CDC has also developed a second test called "meth alert" where the wipe changes color.
The American Industrial Hygiene Association contributed to the information contained in the TV portion of this report.
Click here to Go Inside This Science or contact:
Eric J. Esswein, Senior Industrial Hygienist
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
Denver, CO 80225
(303) 236-5946
eje1@cdc.gov
American Industrial Hygiene Association
Melissa Hurley
(703) 846-0740
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