In addition to asbestos mitigation, Encompass Environmental also deals with meth decontamination. The need for meth decontamination in Western Colorado and Utah is more important than ever, as sadly, meth is resurging in Colorado, in both use and manufacture. In fact, meth production and addiction continue to be a huge problem within the inter-mountain west. In 2017, it was reported that for the first time in a decade within Colorado, meth related deaths outnumbered opioid related deaths. An extremely addictive stimulant, meth is usually a crystalline powder that can be snorted, smoked, or injected. What makes meth so volatile is the compounds used to make the illicit substance, and harmful by-products that result from its production. A common (and dangerous) misconception is that contamination only happens during a “cook;” however, contamination can also happen from illegal drug use. For example, meth residue can get trapped in air ducts or carpeting from when a user smokes meth.
Another misconception is that it is easy to spot or know if a residence has been a former lab or drug use site. Even the cleanest and most unassuming buildings have been tested positive for traces of meth residue. When a lab is shut down by law enforcement, all paraphernalia and cooking apparatus is removed, but this does not mean the building is now safe for entry. Like asbestos, meth contamination is fickle: just because you cannot see or smell the biohazard, does not mean the building is uncontaminated. And whereas there are state laws requiring the testing for asbestos, there is no law requiring testing for meth contamination. This is especially terrifying, for both current and prospective homeowners and business owners. We highly recommend you contact us for meth contamination testing: it can save the lives of your family, your employees, and yourself.