April 2006
Volume V, Issue 2

Dear Friends,

We are quickly approaching this year's AIHA Conference & Expo, May 15-17 in Chicago. Plan on stopping by our booth (#751) to renew old friendships and find out what's new at PATI.  If you are in need of a day pass to the expo give us a call, we may have a few free passes available that we can send to you in the mail.

In this issue of Trapped Air we will be focusing on Methamphetamine Labs (better known as Meth Labs) Air Quality Issues.   Over the last several years meth labs have been in the news. They have been ubiquitous to the rural landscape and now are finding there way into the urban settings.  Randall Fike, Ph.D., writes in this issue "Cleaning Up Somebody Else's Meth." This article looks at some of the common chemicals found in or around meth labs.  The article also examines what to do before (safe to enter?), during (locating sources), and after (clearance testing) a meth lab is discovered.  We hope you find Randy's article informative.

Be sure to review "The Technical Forum" where we try to answer your questions often asked of us.   If you are not able to get to AIHce this year let us know trappedair@pati-air.com and we will send you our updated literature. We hope to see you in Chicago!.

Cleaning Up Somebody Else's Meth

From 1975 to 2001, the DEA seized an average of 516 methamphetamine laboratories (meth labs) per year.  In 2001, 1445 were seized, in 2004, 926 were seized in Illinois alone.   It is estimated that the number is approaching nearly twice that this year.  Formerly these meth labs were set up in remote, rural locations, usually on private property, but now, with the advent of more sophisticated manufacturing practices, they are increasingly being found in cities and apartment complexes.  But one thing has not changed-the operators of these methamphetamine manufacturing facilities do not conduct their business in an environmentally responsible manner.  The mess they leave behind can pose multifarious risks to those responsible for cleanup or for the people who may live there after the cleanup.  This article addresses the various aspects of airborne VOC hazards as they pertain to cleanup and clearance testing of these former laboratories.

The following is a list of typical chemicals that produce organic vapors that have been associated with meth labs:

The following chemicals are also associated with meth labs but would not be expected to contribute to the VOC load:

Our experience has indicated that the above list is a good starting point; however, it is not all-inclusive.   Many other volatiles can be found such as other alcohols or a whole collection of chlorinated C2 compounds.

Before entering a meth lab cleanup site, it is critical to determine what VOCs are in the air.  Remember that these labs may have been producing many drugs other than methamphetamines and there is no way to tell what chemicals and solvents have been used, spilled, or otherwise mishandled in the area.  Before entering the area, it is usually a good idea to use a full spectrum scan of the indoor air to determine the potential VOC hazards and to aid in selecting appropriate PPE.  Use of an analysis like TO-14 is not recommended because one or more compounds not included in the "standard list" may be responsible for a significant portion of the VOC load or may present a hazard.

After the obvious hazards have been removed, like solvent containers, reaction vessels, etc., the real detective work begins.  Taking a second indoor air sample in the effected area is usually a good starting point.  Maybe you will get lucky and the hazards will have been ameliorated, but don't count on it.   Once the lingering hazards have been determined, locating the source is the difficult part.  The investigator can be assured that the disposal of spent solvents and materials has not been handled in an environmentally responsible manner but has been executed in the most expeditious way.  I have had good luck using the premise that, even though their greed may make them industrious, these criminals are basically lazy (otherwise they would get a job like the rest of us).   As a result, it is a good idea to look for disposal sites that are easy to get to, like just outside the back door, in the driveway, in cracks in the floor, in the crawl space, and down the drain/septic.

With their small size, thermal desorption tubes can be easily inserted into small openings like cracks in the floor.  They can be used for sub-slab sampling using a 3/8" hole drilled through a concrete slab.  It is also possible to check the septic system either by using the septic vent or by using a drain.  When using a drain, empty the trap first with a turkey baster or other, similar analytical evacuation device.  Then insert a sampling tube and cover the drain.  Methods that "target" specific compounds identified in the original full spectrum scan can be used to search for the source of specific compounds.   Using this technique greatly reduces the analytical cost.   It might also be necessary to apply a full spectrum VOC analysis to soil samples from around the property and in the driveway to help locate and map dumping sites.

Since kerosene is also used in meth labs, it may occasionally be necessary to take samples for a base/neutral SVOC Scan or for the determination of polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH/PNA) marker compounds for kerosene.  These are usually soil samples from suspected dumping sites outside the meth lab.  Kerosene spilled or dumped indoors can usually be detected using the marker compounds naphthalene and 2-methylnaphthalene which can be determined using thermal desorption tubes but cannot be determined using either canisters or Tedlar® bags.

If the site is going to be re-inhabited, some additional testing is recommended.  After the cleanup has been completed, a full-spectrum indoor air sample in the lab area and one in the living area can be used to ensure that there are no lingering hazards.  This is needed primarily to document that the cleanup has been successful, thus minimizing the liability of the property owner, everyone involved in the cleanup, and the people paying for the cleanup.  It is also useful documentation to have in the event there is an impending property transfer.

Applicable PATI tests:

Q.  Do you have any information on "odor threshold" for the MVOCs?

A.   Odor thresholds present a very sticky wicket because they are very dependent upon the sensitivity of the individual.  For example, I have an AIHA book on odor thresholds that is a compilation of published odor threshold data.  The reference lists the odor threshold for diethylamine as 0.0033 to 14.3 ppm.  That's a difference factor of more than 4000.  From my experience with the compound, I'd say that the 14.3 was determined using people who are, to put nicely, "olfaction challenged."  As far as mold odor, it depends upon which compounds are actually present and the level of humidity in addition to the sensitivity of the individual.  I have a very sensitive nose and can usually detect a mold odor when the PATI TMVOC hits around 30-50.  We have had locations where the number was around 100 but only a few people could smell it. I do know that when the number hits around 300, nearly everybody can smell it (all except the people who couldn't smell diethylamine until it hit 14.3 ppm).

Q.  What is 4-PCH and how does it relate to building IAQ.

A.   4-PCH, or 4-Phenylcyclohexene is a VOC best known as the "new carpet" odor. Styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR) latex adhesive is what is used to bind carpet's secondary backing and is generally considered the primary source of 4-PCH.

4-PCH has been included in USGBC's LEED Green Building Rating System.   According to the LEED credit, 4-PCH should not exceed 6.5 micrograms per cubic meter where carpet with SBR backing is installed.

Instances of methamphetamine trafficking and abuse in the United States are on the increase. As a result, this drug is having a devastating impact on communities across the nation.
Read More...

Department of Health & Family Services in Wisconsin provides an interesting and educational FAQ "Cleaning Up Hazardous Chemicals at Former Meth Labs".  Please click on the following link for this informative and educational FAQ:
http://www.dhfs.state.wi.us/eh/ChemFS/fs/MethClnUp.htm

Plan to stop by and visit us at Booth 751 during the AIHce 2006 in Chicago.

PATI will exhibit their IAQ AIR ANALYSIS services at the AIHce conference in Chicago May 13 - 18, Booth 751.

Featured services this year will include
TDT Air Scan®, MoldScanPlus^(TM), GreenScan^(TM), and TracScan^(TM).   Come see how MoldScan^(TM) has been enhanced to provide you more information which in turn benefits your client at NO ADDITIONAL COST.

For more information about AIHce 2006 CLICK HERE ....

Do you have your PATI Air Analytical Tool Box?

To receive a copy of PATI Air Analytical Tool Box click here Tool Box

PATI is a consultative air testing lab which means we encourage you to ask questions whether you are in the planning stage of an air study or have questions regarding your analytical report. When planning your next air project be sure to consult your PATI Tool Box. Quick easy to look up charts are provided for each analysis. Put our experience to work for you.

Look for in upcoming issues: