1.  Im selling My HOUse and IT Tested Positive for meth – HOW CAN THIS BE?!?!

Methamphetamine is an exceptionally stable molecule that has a tendency to stay present and detectable for YEARS.  It is possible your house had contamination prior to you purchasing and it has existed during your ownership.  Meth can exist latently for years, and does not simply “go away” or become “inactive / undetectable”.    

 

2. The buyer of my Property discovered there is meth present – OR the city has “red tagged” my property – WHAT Do i do now???

Per Colorado regulations; a property owner has two options when a screening level assessment has resulted in contamination over the regulatory limit:

1.  Demolish the property 

2.  Hire a CDPHE certified consultant to conduct a full    “Preliminary Assessment”  to determine if cleanup is even required, and / or the extent of contamination in the property.

 

3.  do all properties that test positive for meth require cleanup?

NO!  Not all properties require cleanup that test positive for meth.  Colorado regulations allow for the presence of meth to exist without requiring cleanup (aka cleanup threshold). The ONLY way to determine is this is the case is by conducting a full PA.  We also test in a manner that will compartmentalize known troublesome areas – which could help eliminate or minimize the cleanup, saving you thousands.

4. WHat are the different types of meth tests?

There are only two meth test types officially recognized by CDPHE , and A to Z Meth Testing adheres strictly to only official tests.   We do not conduct “surveys” or any other test that are not explicitly called out in the regulations.  We take meth testing very seriously and understand the implications resulting from positive results.

  1.  Screening Level Assessment (SLA) –  aka a “pre purchase” meth test reserved specifically for the purchase of a residential property (Allowed per section 10 of  the Colorado state contract to buy and sell real estate!).  This is a very limited type of test strictly used to identify presence only. We call this “hot or not” type test.  It is NOT used to identify locations or levels of contamination due the limited number of samples collected.  This is the most economical test.
  2. Preliminary Assessment  (PA) – This test is conducted when there either is KNOWN contamination (Failed SLA, Health Department /Police RED TAG), or clear evidence of use or manufacture (Meth pipes found on property etc.). This is a room by room assessment of the entire property that is a roadmap to the scope of the cleanup process.  A preliminary assessment can also be conducted to clear a property if it has a failed SLA.  
  3. Other consulting firms may conduct “cheaper”non – compliant testing.    A to Z  ONLY performs CDPHE compliant tests.  We adhere to the highest and strictest standards of Industrial Hygiene and respect Colorado regulations.  

 

 

5.  WHY SHOULD I TEST FOR METHAMPHETAMINE CONTAMINATION IN MY PROPERTY?

  1.  Testing for methamphetamine contamination is important to ensure the health, safety and well-being of occupants. Prolonged exposure to methamphetamine residue can have adverse health effects.  
  2. One should also test a property prior to purchase to ensure it is NOT inadvertently contaminated with Meth!  As discussed meth can exist latently for years – which means it does not just “go away”.
  3. Protect your investment!!  Perhaps you need to sell your home only after a short period of ownership, and the buyer of your property conducts a meth test.  You may not know if your home has existing contamination unless you have it tested! This could halt the sale and put you at risk for a massive cleanup bill exceeding tens of thousands of dollars.  

 

6. WHAT IS METHAMPHETAMINE CONTAMINATION?

Methamphetamine contamination refers to the presence of methamphetamine residue or chemicals associated with methamphetamine in a property, typically from activities such as drug manufacturing, smoking, or  other use.

7. HOW DOES METHAMPHETAMINE CONTAMINATION OCCUR IN A PROPERTY?

Methamphetamine contamination can occur in a property through activities such as methamphetamine production, smoking, or using methamphetamine. The chemicals used in the production process can contaminate surfaces and materials, leaving behind residue.

8. WHAT ARE THE HEALTH RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH METHAMPHETAMINE CONTAMINATION?

Health risks associated with methamphetamine contamination include respiratory problems, skin irritation, headaches, nausea, dizziness, and potentially more severe effects with long-term exposure. Children, pregnant women, and individuals with pre-existing health conditions may be particularly vulnerable.

9. HOW DO I KNOW IF MY PROPERTY IS CONTAMINATED WITH METHAMPHETAMINE?

To determine if your property is contaminated with methamphetamine, specialized testing  by a CDPHE consultant is required. This typically involves collecting samples from various surfaces and materials within the property and analyzing them for the presence of methamphetamine residue.

10. HOW ACCURATE ARE METHAMPHETAMINE CONTAMINATION TESTS?

Methamphetamine contamination tests can be highly accurate when conducted by certified consultants like A to Z Meth testing  using validated methods (NIOSH 9111-50) and equipment.   A to Z Meth Testing utilizes testing techniques down to the nanogram level! 

11. WHAT METHODS ARE USED TO TEST FOR METHAMPHETAMINE CONTAMINATION?

Various methods are used to test for methamphetamine contamination, including surface wipe sampling, air sampling, and vacuum sampling. These methods can detect and quantify methamphetamine residue in different environments.  Wipe Sampling is the most commonly used and accepted method.  

12. CAN METHAMPHETAMINE RESIDUE BE DETECTED IN DIFFERENT SURFACES AND MATERIALS?

Yes, methamphetamine residue can be detected in different surfaces and materials, including walls, carpets, furniture, ventilation systems, clothing, and personal belongings.

13. WHAT ARE THE ACCEPTABLE METHAMPHETAMINE CONTAMINATION LEVELS FOR A PROPERTY?

Acceptable methamphetamine contamination levels vary by area of a property. Generally, any detectable level of methamphetamine residue over 0.2 ug / 100 SQCM may be considered a contamination concern, and specific guidelines should be followed for safe occupancy.  

14. HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO RECEIVE THE METHAMPHETAMINE CONTAMINATION TEST RESULTS?

The time it takes to receive methamphetamine contamination test results can vary depending on the testing method, sample size, and laboratory processing times. A to Z Meth Testing offers economical options, as well as 24 hour turnaround service!

15. CAN A PROPERTY BE DECONTAMINATED IF METHAMPHETAMINE IS DETECTED?

If methamphetamine is detected in a property, it can be decontaminated through a specialized process that involves cleaning and removing the contaminated materials. Professional decontamination services should be employed to ensure proper and safe remediation.

16. CAN METHAMPHETAMINE CONTAMINATION AFFECT PROPERTY RESALE VALUE OR RENTAL POTENTIAL?

Methamphetamine contamination can severely  impact property resale value and rental potential. Prospective buyers or tenants may be deterred if they discover a property has a history of methamphetamine contamination, as it can raise concerns about health risks and legal implications.  Meth affected properties are NOT legally habitable per Colorado State Statutes!

17. ARE THERE ANY REGULATIONS OR GUIDELINES REGARDING METHAMPHETAMINE CONTAMINATION TESTING?

Regulations and guidelines regarding methamphetamine contamination are governed at the state level and specifically by the Colorado Dept. of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE)

18. CAN I CONDUCT METHAMPHETAMINE CONTAMINATION TESTING ON MY OWN, OR SHOULD I HIRE PROFESSIONALS?

Per state statute – ONLY a certified methamphetamine consultant may evaluate a property for contamination.  This is conducted through a Screening  Level Assessment or Preliminary Assessment.  In accordance with regulations – a noncertified home inspector may NOT conduct meth sampling of a property.  Any samples collected by a non certified individual are considered useless and legally non binding whatsoever.  

 

19. HOW MUCH DOES METHAMPHETAMINE CONTAMINATION TESTING COST?

The cost of methamphetamine contamination testing can vary depending on factors such as the size of the property, the number of samples collected, the testing method used,

There are also several different types of meth testing that can be conducted within regulations, and the type of test can impact the price but also the value of the results.

 

 It is best to contact the team directly at A to Z Meth Testing  for specific cost estimates. Use the Contact Us page to get in touch.  

Frequently asked questions