New rule takes effect for illegal drug lab cleanup
Comet staff report

A new state rule is now effective for the inspection and cleanup of former illegal drug laboratories in Indiana. The rule is aimed at preventing adults and children from living where interior surfaces are coated with hazardous residues produced in making drugs.

Flammable solvents, acids, strong caustics, combustible metals, and anhydrous ammonia used in the manufacturing process produce phosphine gas, sodium, lithium, lead and mercury that contaminate porous wall and floor coverings, heat and air conditioning vents, and furnishings. Children may be at greater risk of exposure to chemicals in former illegal laboratories due to typical child behavior, such as crawling and placing objects and hands in their mouths.

Under the new rule, a qualified inspector must check for and clean up the hazardous residue from interior surfaces before new occupants can move into houses, apartments and hotel rooms where drugs were manufactured. The rule also establishes cleanup levels that must be attained and a list of contractors who are qualified to inspect and clean up the former labs.

Property owners can find the qualified inspector list on the Indiana Department of Environmental Management's Web site at http://www.idem.IN.gov/programs/ land/drug_lab . IDEM maintains the qualified inspector list and provides training to contractors that want to become qualified inspectors.

"Property owners now have a way to provide new occupants or prospective purchasers with credible certification that the living space has been cleaned up to state standards," said Thomas W. Easterly, IDEM Commissioner. "I encourage all property owners, realtors, health departments and cleanup contractors to visit our Web site for more information."

In 2005, Governor Mitch Daniels initiated Indiana's Meth Task Force and brought together state lawmakers and numerous local, state and federal agencies to combat problems associated with illegal methamphetamine laboratories in Indiana. Local law enforcement agencies work in coordination with the Indiana State Police Methamphetamine Suppression Unit to seize illegal drug labs, safely dismantle them, and properly dispose of hazardous chemicals using a contractor from the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. The Indiana Department of Child Services assists and cares for children who are endangered by the illegal drug's manufacture. State and local health departments can order a contaminated property to be vacated and may assist property owners in addressing potential health effects.

The state rule was developed under Senate Enrolled Act 444, which was passed in 2005. The Act also contained provisions for keeping medications containing ephedrine or pseudoephedrine behind pharmacy counters, requiring law enforcement agencies to report illegal drug labs to local health and fire departments and adding the drug's chemical ingredients to the list of contaminants that can be cleaned up under environmental management laws.