NEW YORK NURSE: March 2007
Q.: As a home-health nurse, how would I recognize an illegal meth lab – and what steps should I take if I do?
A.: On August 2, 2005, then-Governor George Pataki signed into law criminal penalties relating to methamphetamine manufacturing. The law states that all persons who are mandated to report suspected incidents of child abuse or maltreatment in their normal course of employment – such as nurses – be given information on recognizing the signs of an unlawful methamphetamine laboratory.
When visiting a home, be suspicious if you find the following chemicals in large quantities: paint thinner, acetone, drain cleaner, lye, or muriatic acid. The exception to this, of course, would be if your client is in business as a painter, plumber, or pool cleaner. Other suspicious items include an abundance of pressurized containers such as gas (grill) tanks, fire extinguishers, or oxygen tanks (if your patient does not require oxygen therapy). Large quantities of batteries or tubing are other clues.
Strong chemical odors such as ammonia or acetone (nail polish remover) are also associated with meth labs. If your patient or a patient’s family member does not exhibit cold symptoms, you should also be concerned if a large amount of cold medication such as pseudoephedrine or ephedrine, or salts such as Epsom or rock salt is in the home.
Think safety first: Meth labs can be very dangerous. Avoid exposure to any chemicals or other drug-making materials and contact local law enforcement or 911, especially if a child is in the home. Additional safety measures can be found at www.oasas.state.ny.us/meth/; click on the featured items brochure titled “Clandestine Methamphetamine Laboratory.”
This is a sample of the questions NYSNA’s experts answer each day. The advice given is specific for the situation described and may not be applicable generally. If you have questions about your own work setting, it is recommended that you contact your NYSNA Nursing Representative or the Nursing Advocacy and Information Program, 11 Cornell Road, Latham, New York 12110-1499 or call 1-800-724-NYRN, ext. 282.