According to an article that appeared in Journal of Addictions Nursing in November, Johns Hopkins School of Nursing researchers Diane McFadden, Joan Kub and Sheila Fitzgerald find that first responders — police officers, firefighters and emergency services personnel — who come in contact with clandestine methamphetamine labs in the course of their job are at risk for numerous health problems.

Under the best of circumstances, the highly toxic atmospheres present health risks to personnel entering the premises, but because 20 percent to 30 percent of methamphetamine labs are discovered due to fires or explosions, the atmosphere becomes even more dangerous. Through a review of literature and discussions with first responders, the authors determined that too often on entering the labs, first responders who are not using protective equipment or wearing protective clothing are exposed to chemicals that can cause lung damage, eye and respiratory irritation and burns.

The authors also point out that nurses and other staff in emergency departments risk secondary exposure if victims are not properly decontaminated before transport. The article offers prevention strategies but cautions that even in planned raids, hazmat firefighters and law enforcement personnel cannot fully predict the chemical hazards of exposure because the ingredients and methamphetamine production methods vary.

GO TO JANUARY 16, 2007 TABLE OF CONTENTS.
GO TO THE GAZETTE FRONT PAGE.