A clandestine laboratory producing methamphetamine or other illegal drug may be associated with hazards to the operators, neighbors and police. Any approach to a clandestine laboratory should be done with utmost caution.
Item in Laboratory
Hazard
volatile chemicals and solvents
explosion or fire, especially if open flames are used
toxic chemicals in bulk quantities
toxic exposures (dermal, inhalation, other)
guns
gunshot wounds, homicide
alcohol and drugs of abuse (recently synthesized drugs, other drugs being distributed)
intoxication, drug abuse, psychosis
unintended byproducts of synthesis
toxic side effects (rhabdomyolysis, drug-induced Parkinson's disease, toxic hepatitis, other)
drugs, additives or chemicals used to mimic or replace the active agent (counterfeit, cutting agent)
infectious or toxic drug effects
addicted women trading sex for drugs
sexually transmitted disease, viral hepatitis C, HIV
Additional hazards of drug production:
(1) booby traps setup around the laboratory
(2) injuries associated with trying to acquire raw ingredients (breaking into offices, stealing chemicals)
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