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The Effects Meth Labs Have on Wildlife & Vegetation

According to the Congressional Caucus to Fight and Control Methamphetamine, a typical meth lab is a collection of chemical bottles, hoses and pressurized cylinders. These labs are considered environmental hazards because of the volatile chemicals and cooking process used to manufacture this highly toxic drug. The Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) estimates that more than 68 percent of all meth labs in the United States are located in ordinary homes in rural and residential areas.

  1. Water and Soil Contamination

    • The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) says that the toxic chemicals used in illicit methamphetamine laboratories may leech into soil and waterways, causing negative impact to vegetation, wildlife and drinking water. The chemical contamination resulting from meth labs includes highly toxic substances such as battery acid, red phosphorus, iodine, ammonia, starter fluid and drain cleaner.

    Toxic Fumes

    • In addition to leeching toxic chemicals into the soil and waste water, meth labs also produce toxic fumes which are damaging to both plants and animals. According to an article in "Sierra Magazine," a publication of the Sierra Club, U.S. Forest Service officials have found large "tree-kill" sites surrounding meth labs built on national forest land. One official reported instances of these toxic fumes killing Ponderosa pines that were over a hundred years old.

    Wildfires

    • Meth labs and surrounding areas are also susceptible to an increased risk of wildfires resulting from lab explosions or chemical reactions, says the USDA. According to "Sierra Magazine," of the 1,654 labs seized nationwide in 1998, nearly one in five were found because of fire or explosion.

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