As an In-home care provider who conducts in home visits, what would I see
that may put my client in danger?
Strong cat urine type odor or strange chemical odors, open windows all
the time, maybe even during the winter months, sometimes with fans running
or fans in the windows which will circulate the air, jars, tubing made of
plastic or rubber hoses, tubing running from inside the house to the
outside, usually though windows or doors. Numerous cans of starter fluid,
lye or lye soap containers or packaging, propane tanks, coolers or gas cans,
cold tablet blister packages, and or lithium batteries and anti-freeze
containers. Countertop electric stoves, or portable stoves also may be used
in places other than the kitchen.
What should I do if I do see evidence of this nature at a client’s home
or site of visit?
The first thing to do, is to think of your own personal safety and get
away from the location. Dial 911 or your local law enforcement, 775-78-CRIME
(775-782-7463). Contact your supervisor, do not attempt to confront or
restrain a client or resident of the location in question. 911 should would
be able to provide assistance to the worker, in addition, contact your local
hospital for health information.
First Responders:
Those professionals called to the scene of a potential Meth Lab
situation: law enforcement, EMT/Paramedics, Firefighters, hospital workers
and social or caseworkers have the potential to be exposed to toxic
chemicals, their residue, and fumes. By breathing in these chemicals,
respiratory treatment. Further information:
www.cdc.gov/niosh/npg/ and
www.hazmat.dot.gov/erg2000/psnsort.htm
Meth manufacturers or “cookers” produce toxic waste as a by-product from
making methamphetamine. These toxic chemicals are dumped in ditches, wells,
and retaining ponds, eventually seeping into our water, and ultimately our
food supply. They dump it directly onto the land itself, contaminating all
that can make this drug in home make “Meth Labs” which can be in their
homes, cars, storage units, apartments, hotel and motel rooms, basements,
mom & pop shop back rooms, even in suitcases. Residue often remains on the
walls and causes contamination issues for future tenants. They release toxic
fumes and the probability of fire and explosions multiply.
What about Meth and Law Enforcement/legal system?
Some states currently have laws in place regarding pharmacies, and local
retailers restricting the sale of cold remedies containing ephedrine,
phenylppropanolamine (PPA) and pseudoephedrine that are used in making
Methamphetamine. Some laws are restricting the sale to those over 18 years
of age only, and limiting purchases to two packages per purchase. Some
locations, such as pharmacies, have these items locked or located behind the
counters.
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