Meth residue test needed for new place to live?

[lordkenmore]

Recently, I saw an ad on the Internet for some one selling meth residue test kits. ("Protect you and your family!" seems to be the theme.) Unfortunately, I didn't think to save the link.

Since seeing this ad, I have been wondering whether this is really necessary, or whether a common sense approach of careful visual inspection and thorough cleaning is enough. To date, I have had no worries, since every place I have lived in recent history has had previous recent occupants that are known, either to me, or someone I know. But I figure my luck might run out, and my next move might be what most people are faced with: into a place previously occupied by total strangers.

 

[maytagbear]

I don't know how it is in other places,

but I do a Google search for an address, and all sorts of information comes up.

A person can learn a lot, too, at the county property tax office.

Of course, I live in a comparatively small town (35k population, +/-) and I am on first name terms with the safety director.

A person can find out quite a great deal, if s/he's willing to do some easy research. The people at the Reference Desk of public libraries like to find things out.

The most useful professor I had during grad school said something along the lines of : "Other people know interesting and useful things, and are often willing to share them, if we just ask."

Lawrence/Maytagbear

 

[hunter]

Here's what I know.

During my days as a law enforcement officer, I learned a little bit about how meth is produced.

I was told - and have no reason to doubt - that many, many, many rented areas have been used for meth production including:

hotel rooms
apartments
storage lockers

There have been instances of folks having their homes used to cook meth without their knowledge - example, one case I remember was the boyfriend of the teenage daughter used to cook meth at the house and no one knew it.

Given that it is made by boiling strong solvents it might be a good idea to see what you can learn (however you do it) about what has been done at your address.

Personally, I can't see the appeal of taking a drug that was made by crushing sudafed and boiling it in kerosene but what do I know? (I know, for those in the know that isn't quite how you do it but I don't remember all the details at this moment).

So -- better safe than sorry, I'm sorry to say!

Lawrence, you make great points and I have another suggestion: go to your local PD IF you are in a town with a good PD and ask if anything has ever come up there, even a suspicion.

 

[sudsmaster]

I would think the primary danger would be if the chemicals (solvents, acids, bases) used to brew the meth were still being stored on the property. Residue on the floors or walls? I agree, a simple but thorough cleaning should take care of that.

I understand that meth production is very odorous - it's been described to me as smelling like a combination of cat urine and rotting fish. So I suppose one might use one's nose to determine if there is appreciable residue left behind.

In other words, I think the meth detection kits are sort of worthless for the stated purpose. The money is probably better spent on cleaning the floors and walls, and painting the walls and ceilings, which should be done when a home changes hands, anyway. If there is any suspicion, one might want to make sure that any and all chemicals stored on the property are removed prior to closing the deal. I bought my house "as-is" and there were all sorts of interesting things left behind. I took a box of stuff to the county hazardous waste collection center. Mainly old pesticides. There's still some moderately hazardous stuff, but potentially useful so I keep it around, and it's very safely stored.

One test that might be a good idea is an inexpensive kit to test for lead in the paint. This is especially important if one has children, who are much more at risk from lead poisoning than adults (it stunts brain growth). If found, the old leaded paint can be removed, although in some circumstances I believe it's enough to seal it with a coat off good lead-free paint. I also understand that some areas now have codes that require complete removal of lead (as well as asbestos) from a property before it can change hands.

 

[alr2903]

Knowledge of meth production, as well as the usual mold and mildew in on the standard real estate agreement in louisiana, We sold a home last year. alr2903