Methods and chemicals used to produce meth vary widely, but three basic categories are found in Minnesota labs, according to the Minnesota Department of Health.
• Solvents: acetone, ether, freon, hexane, methanol, toluene, trichloroethane, white gas, xylene
LEFT OUT HYDROIODITIC ACID--KILLS SENSORY ASPECTS(TASTE SMELL) VERY CARCINOGENIC
• Corrosives/irritants: anhydrous ammonia, hydrochloric acid, phosphine, sodium hydroxide (lye), sodium thiosulfate, sulfuric acid (drain cleaner)
• Metals/salts: iodine, lithium metal, red phosphorus, yellow phosphorus, sodium metal( EXTREMELY EXPLOSIVE)
Signs of a potential meth lab
• Frequent visitors at all times of the day or night
• Occupants have extensive security, video surveillance, baby monitors or signs intended to keep people off the property
• Windows blackened or curtains always drawn
• Chemical odors coming from the house, garbage or detached buildings
• Garbage containing numerous bottles, containers or materials such as ephedrine, alcohol, kitty litter, lithium batteries, fertilizer, compressed gas cylinders, acetone and other chemical remnants
• Coffee filters, bed sheets or other materials stained from filtering red phosphorous or other chemicals
• Occupants set garbage for pickup in another collection area
• Evidence of chemical or waste dumping such as burn pits or dead spots in a yard
• Occupants seem suspicious, secretive, paranoid or unfriendly. USUALLY HYPER,NERVOUS,AND PARANOID.
• Occupants appear unemployed yet seem to have plenty of money and pay bills in cash.
What to do if you suspect a meth lab
• Do not try to confront someone you suspect to be cooking meth, rather report concerns to local police or sheriff's office immediately. If you inadvertently enter a lab, leave immediately.
Who ever said "Better life through chemistry" must have been a crack head.
Especially remember the last line.
Meth labs are dangerous places, similar to hazardous waste dumps. Depending on the method of manufacture, they can also be an explosive environment - a small spark can create a MASSIVE detonation.
Tragic. The lye-soaked cod ( lutefisk ) is a gateway to this horrid addiction for the Minnesota kids.