The creation and usage of methamphetamines can contaminate both hard and soft surfaces. Exposure to this contamination, even if minimal, can present a health risk. To help protect the public from these risks, there are regulations in place to mandate and guide the cleanup and decontamination of properties where meth has been used or made.

If you suspect a property is being used as a meth lab, or that meth has been used in a property, the VERY first thing you should do is report this to the local authorities. These authorities will conduct an investigation, if a lab is found then you will need to have a preliminary assessment completed by a state-certified consultant. The results of this assessment will be sent to the state and if positive for methamphetamines, the property will either need to be cleaned or demolished within the State guidelines.

Property owners cannot clean up meth affected properties on their own. Because of the health risks, the state requires that meth affected properties be cleaned by certified firms and individuals. A certified firm will properly decontaminate material that can be cleaned and dispose safely of materials that cannot be decontaminated.

Once cleanup is completed, an additional assessment by certified consultant is required to ensure that all contaminant are below acceptable levels. A post-decontamination report is done by the removal firm and the consultant. This report is provided to the State Board of Public Health as well as to the property owner. The property owner may then provide a copy of the report to their local government. Copies of the report must be on file with the property owner for a minimum of seven years.

For more information about how the State of Colorado regulates meth affected properties visit their website: https://www.colorado.gov/pacific/cdphe/methlabcleanup