G
Guest
Last Friday I took the 8-hr refresher for my OSHA HAZWOPER certification.
One of the subjects touched on during the safety awareness class was the chemical hazards associated with clandestine methamphetamine laboratories. I watched two videos that demonstrated the synthesis of meth through two methods - Red P and Nazi Dope methods. I was shocked at not only how easy the 'ingredient' materials were to obtain but just how dangerous the synthesis of the drug is even under controlled conditions. The videos I watched were produced by state police laboratories and under controlled carefully measured and controlled conditions there were still dangerous, flammable and caustic fumes produced and even an explosion or two. It is really scary!
In Florida, these clandestine labs have become so prevalent that each COUNTY has a rapid response team to assess the danger to the public and inventory the waste along side law enforcement officers. Again, I was absolute shocked and horrified at how prevalent the manufacture and abuse of this drug has become. And to think that many of the clandestine labs are now being established in apartment complexes - not just the trailer in the backwoods. The last lab blew the walls out of a downtown complex and required the immediate evacuation of all the tenants.
I saw a related article regarding the long-term effects on todays youth, Teen meth abuse may lead to long-term brain disorders . Apparently this drug completely erodes the brain much faster than other drugs on the street. And to think these same brain-dead people are also working to manufacture this substance under less-than-optimal conditions .... it's just scary.
[/rant]
JR
One of the subjects touched on during the safety awareness class was the chemical hazards associated with clandestine methamphetamine laboratories. I watched two videos that demonstrated the synthesis of meth through two methods - Red P and Nazi Dope methods. I was shocked at not only how easy the 'ingredient' materials were to obtain but just how dangerous the synthesis of the drug is even under controlled conditions. The videos I watched were produced by state police laboratories and under controlled carefully measured and controlled conditions there were still dangerous, flammable and caustic fumes produced and even an explosion or two. It is really scary!
In Florida, these clandestine labs have become so prevalent that each COUNTY has a rapid response team to assess the danger to the public and inventory the waste along side law enforcement officers. Again, I was absolute shocked and horrified at how prevalent the manufacture and abuse of this drug has become. And to think that many of the clandestine labs are now being established in apartment complexes - not just the trailer in the backwoods. The last lab blew the walls out of a downtown complex and required the immediate evacuation of all the tenants.
I saw a related article regarding the long-term effects on todays youth, Teen meth abuse may lead to long-term brain disorders . Apparently this drug completely erodes the brain much faster than other drugs on the street. And to think these same brain-dead people are also working to manufacture this substance under less-than-optimal conditions .... it's just scary.
[/rant]
JR
