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(Updated July 2012)
The production of methamphetamine is alarmingly simple, composed of readily available, household items. The resulting chemical cocktail permeates nearly every surface of the home and property, exposure to which can lead to cancer, organ damage and numerous other health problems, particularly to children. The effects on homes and property are long-lasting and cleanup requires a hazardous materials team. This field guide contains information for REALTORS® and property managers regarding warning signs, disclosure laws, and hazardous effects of meth and meth labs upon humans and property.
Is there a meth lab operation on your property?
What to look for:
- Strong chemical odors (e.g., ether, cat urine, ammonia)
- Blacked-out windows
- Frequent visitors at odd times
- Rent payments made in cash
- Excessive trash (e.g., fuel cans, antifreeze containers, and other household products)
- Red-stained walls; stripped batteries; and blue, corroded valves on propane cylinders
Source: Life After Meth, (Journal of Property Management, May/June 2003, p 62-66).
Methamphetamine Information
Methamphetamine, (U.S. Department of Justice/Drug Enforcement Administration, Dec. 2010).
Drug facts: methamphetamine, (National Institute on Drug Abuse, Mar. 2010).
Maps of methamphetamine lab incidents, (U.S. Department of Drug Enforcement Administration, n.d.)
Methamphetamine in Minnesota: A report on the impact of one illicit drug, (The Office of State Drug Policy and the Minnesota Department of Health, July 2008).
Environmental impact of meth, (Rural Methamphetamine Education Project, Minot State University, Spring 2007).
What is a Meth Lab?, (Minnesota Department of Health, 2004).
Disclosure Issues
Former meth labs a nightmare for unwitting homebuyers, (My Fox Phoenix, June 27, 2012).
Know your rights when it comes to meth properties, (KJRH, Jan. 9, 2012).
Meth home disclosure not required in Michigan, (WILX, Nov. 1, 2011).
New Ohio law requires meth lab disclosure to new owners, (Housing Watch, June 2, 2010).
eBooks & Other Resources
eBooks.realtor.org
The following ebooks and digital audiobooks are available to NAR members:
Complete Book of Home Inspection (Overdrive Digital Audiobook)
Home Buyer's Checklist (Adobe eReader)
Home Buying for Dummies (Adobe eReader)
Books, videos, research reports & more
The resources below are available for loan through Information Central. Up to three books, tapes, CDs and/or DVDs can be borrowed for 30 days from the Library for a nominal fee of $10. Call Information Central at 800.874.6500 for assistance.
A drug lab? On my property?, (Texas REALTOR®, Sept./Oct. 2005).
Field Guides & More
These field guides and other resources in the Virtual Library may also be of interest:
Field Guide to Dealing with Stigmatized Properties
Field Guide to Effects of Hazardous Waste Sites on Property Values
Field Guide to REALTOR® Safety
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The inclusion of links on this field guide does not imply endorsement by the National Association of REALTORS®. NAR makes no representations about whether the content of any external sites which may be linked in this field guide complies with state or federal laws or regulations or with applicable NAR policies. These links are provided for your convenience only and you rely on them at your own risk.