How does meth contaminate a surface?

Smoking is the most common form of meth use. When meth is smoked, the drug is heated and turned into a vapour. The vapour that is not inhaled by the smoker is then deposited on the walls, floors, furnishings, and duct system leaving a residue of meth. The amount of meth residue depends on the amount and frequency of smoking. Because of the increased trend in smoking meth, homes that were never used to produce meth are still testing positive for meth contamination putting families at risk.

The larger concern relates to the manufacture of the drug in dwellings. The process of manufacturing methamphetamine can include heavy metals, carcinogenic hydrocarbons, and other toxic chemicals. Some of these will ‘air out’ eventually, but many will persist in the air, on surfaces and inside porous materials.

Solid forms of methamphetamine can be spilled and worked into carpets, furniture and upholstery.