Cleaning up mess left by meth labs a profitable niche

Cleaning up mess left by meth labs a profitable niche INDIANAPOLIS -- Methamphetamine labs are much more than just dangerous and illegal. It's especially dangerous for children. Meth remains are toxic and will make inhabitants sick with serious respiratory illnesses if not cleaned. Even dogs have been known to get sick. While specially trained law enforcement officers come in to conduct the initial cleanup, it's up to the property owner to make certain the residual effects are removed. The first step in a meth lab cleanup is to see where the so-called "hot spots" are. There are strict requirements in Indiana to operate as a meth lab clean-up firm. To be listed as a qualified inspector with the Indiana Department of Environmental Management, a corporation must complete an application and meet several requirements, including at least 40 hours of experience cleaning illegal drug labs or doing similar work. Each year, the environmental management department conducts a required refresher training for qualified inspectors for free. When it comes to the law and the requirements on cleaning up meth labs, Indiana can be a standout, said Joe Mazzuca, CEO of operations for Idaho-based American Meth Lab Cleanup, which operates nationwide. He even suggests to other states that they have a look at Indiana. "We know of properties all over Indiana that people are still living in," he said. "It's such a growing epidemic," said Donetta Held, CEO of Crisis Cleaning, a Bloomfield, Ind. "It's everywhere -- from a high-dollar house in downtown Indianapolis to these rural counties. Held's business has already done 25 meth cleanups this year, in less than three months. That has meant lots of revenue for meth cleanup companies. Depending on the size of the house and how many rooms have to be decontaminated, the cost can range from $5,000 to $10,000. Cooks using some pseudoephedrine, household chemicals and a plastic soda bottle can produce the drug. One reason: Many meth labs are tucked away in rural areas. "There is a reason they go to the rural areas. "They just do not have the manpower to address that issue. When the cleanup is carried out, another test is conducted to make sure the levels are down. On the other hand, he thinks this already thriving industry in the state could be thriving even more. This document certifies to No matter what new occupants that the meth lab contamination in the home has been cleaned up and it's now safe to occupy. Thank you for visiting the world of meth lab cleanup companies, a growing and profitable business. Indiana, which ranks in the top five for meth production, has 22 companies certified by the Indiana Department of Environmental Management to decontaminate properties. And firm is, um, booming. "Some people say there isn't as much meth or meth has gone down," Held said. After that, a cleanup plan is crafted, and the inspectors go back in. Decontaminant is applied. Cleaning up mess left by meth labs a profitable niche Trade News selected by Local Linkup on 26/03/2012