What is a clandestine lab?
An improvised laboratory environment where illicit drugs or precursors are being produced. Majority of clan labs are found to be either in or adjacent to domestic dwellings.
Risks posed by a contaminated property
Children are at most risk by being exposed to contaminants. Exposed children can suffer from behavioural, psychological and physiological health effects.
Pregnant women are at risk as methylamphetamine can cross the placental barrier and adversely impact the developing foetus.
The Elderly and those with compromised health are also at risk, and health conditions can be exacerbated.
Visitors to the property such as friends and relatives are also at risk of incurring transient incidental exposure.
The risk of an undetected contaminated property is substantially higher because prolonged exposure could potentiate the health effects caused!
Safeguard your health, your home and your investment with timely methamphetamine testing
Why choose ACS for methamphetamine testing?
ACS provides the premium laboratory service for methamphetamine testing in Australia. The distinguished qualities of ACS include:
Competency and experience: ACS is highly experienced in low level residue testing a variety of areas, and has built on this to develop a comprehensive testing solution for methamphetamine testing.
NATA accredited method: ACS has attained accreditation from NATA for it’s analytical method for methamphetamine, ephedrine, pseudo-ephedrine and amphetamine in swabs based on NIOSH 9111 using LC-MS/MS
Responsive and friendly staff: Our staff is available to provide detailed explanation of the results and what they mean.
Fast turnaround times: We provide three business day turnarounds for results to provide customer satisfaction.
24 hour turnaround is also available for urgent inquiries (rates apply).
Clandestine lab screen
Analysis can be performed looking for the common chemicals involved in the methamphetamine laboratories such as:
- methamphetamine
- ephedrine
- pseudoephedrine
- amphetamine
ACS laboratories reports to 0.02µg/wipe – 25 times lower than the Australian Guideline levels of 0.5µg/wipe1.
ACS works with leading providers in environmental health and safety and suitably qualified occupational hygienist to perform sampling. ACS uses the gold standard in testing- fast, efficient and sensitive LC-MS/MS Technologies surpassing the requirements of – NIOSH 9111 – Methamphetamine in Wipes by LCMS issue 1 Oct 2011 on which our NATA accreditation is based.
Our Reporting levels of 0.02µg/wipe will reveal the truth behind any Meth Activity!
1.Australian Clandestine Drug laboratory Remediation guidelines 2011 (Cth)
Meth Testing Options available
Individual Sample Analysis: Individual sampling of locations, followed by analysis. The detection limit is 0.02 ug/sample.
Field Composite Analysis: Samples are grouped from multiple locations and tested as a single sample – and the result indicates the total from all wipes. A high Field composite result leads to a return visit for individual sampling (to find the location of the contamination).
Lab Composite Analysis: A lower cost option for multiple sample testing (of a property). Sub-sample of are combined into a composite for analysis, and individuals are kept if further investigation is required.
Heavy Metals: Samples are are collected and analysed for heavy metals such as lead, mercury and other heavy metals of interest.
Key policies
Australian Clandestine Drug laboratory Remediation guidelines 2011 (Cth)
states 0.5µg/100cm2 as the trigger level for an unacceptable household.
Local Government Act 1993 (NSW)
states owner of the premises must ensure residential premises are fit for human habitation.
Public Health & Wellbeing Act 2008 (VIC)
expresses that councils must investigate and remedy any nuisance.
Residential Tenancies and Rooming Accommodation Act 2008 (QLD)
states that the lessor has an obligation to make sure the premises is fit for the tenant to live in.
Who should be testing?
Property owners
To ensure that the past history of the property is known.
Tenants
To confirm that the property being rented is fit for habitation.
Leasers
By confirming the property being leased is free of any illicit drug contamination, risks posed to potential tenants are diminished.
Investors/buyers
Checking for any illicit drug contamination is crucial to guaranteeing a wise and sound investment.