The Evidence - Science Doesn't Lie
Get the Lowdown on Meth
Meth - sometimes called crank, crystal, speed, or Tina - has painted the headlines lately... but what exactly is it? In essence, meth is a dangerous mixture of highly toxic chemicals. "A mixture of laundry detergent and lighter fluid" is how some have described it.
The effects of meth are as bad as you may have heard. The drug attacks the immune system and damages the brain by flooding it with dopamine. Meth also leads, in many cases, to severe psychological addiction, repetitive fascination with useless tasks, acne, depression, psychosis, penile dysfunction, tooth decay, and death. It can induce hyperthermia. The drug destroys your brain. The Journal of Neuroscience points to the neurotoxicity of meth. Need we say more?
In case we do, let's talk for a minute about the environmental implications. When ingredients to make meth are mixed and "cooked" together they create potentially harmful chemical residues that can remain on household surfaces for months or years after "cooking" is over. There may be health effects in people exposed to lab chemicals before, during and after the drug-making process. Listen for yourself here.
Meth labs are so toxic that law enforcement officers breaking up operations often must be hospitalized after they break up the labs. Each meth lab or meth chemical dump is a potential hazardous waste site, requiring evaluation, and possibly cleanup, by hazardous waste (HazMat) professionals. Exposure to meth residues may cause symptoms similar to those experienced by meth users.
Exposure to volatile organic compounds (VOCs) may cause symptoms such as nose and throat irritation, headaches, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, confusion and breathing difficulties. Benzene is a VOC known to cause cancer. Acids or bases will cause a burning sensation on the skin and in mucous membranes, and can cause severe eye damage. Exposure to metals and salts can cause a wide range of health effects including respiratory irritation, decreased mental function, anemia, kidney damage and birth defects. The Journal of Children's Health also points out that children are often the victims of methamphetamine.
