In Australia, the number of meth labs has more than doubled over the past six years and quick clandestine labs can be found in may properties, and even in vehicles. In addition to ‘cooking’, regular smoking of meth can produce contamination readings which far exceed safe levels. Meth contamination has far reaching legal, financial, and health implications. Guidelines set out by the Australian Government state that the presence of methylamphetamine on surfaces at a level that exceeds 0.5mcg/m2 is unsafe and is considered to be a public health risk identified under the Public Health Act 2005 which requires immediate remediation. The best way for property owners and real estates to protect themselves from liability or financial loss is through conducting meth residue testing with an accredited organisation. The benefits of testing include:

  • Deters tenants from manufacturing or smoking meth on your property
  • Pre purchase testing ensures peace of mind when moving into a new property
  • Testing when selling a property demonstrates to perspective buyers that the property is safe and contamination free

As a property owner or property manager, there is a legal responsibility to ensure the  property is safe for occupancy. There are Australian regulations and guidelines that can effect the management of meth contamination in properties, particularly with rentals and real estate transactions. Meth contamination presents a significant public health risk with the potential to cause serious harm to residential occupants. Failure to address meth contamination may result in legal liabilities and financial repercussions. Meth testing provides clear and documented evidence of the property condition, legal compliance, and risk mitigation. Contact one of our expert inspectors for further advice or to book an inspection.

Australian guidelines require a property contaminated with meth to be remediated when levels are greater than 0.5 micrograms per square meter. Decontaminating a property can require treating or removing walls, ceilings, wall lining, carpet, curtains, electrical wiring, insulation, air conditioners, and more. This can be a very costly repair. While specific insurance cover may be available, this is usually very expensive (ie $25,000 or more) and carries a substantial excess payment. Discovering meth contamination as early as possible will assist in limiting the cost of repairs. Early detection also allows meth using tenants to be evicted before contamination levels reach destructive and harmful levels. Contact one of our expert inspectors for further advice or to book an inspection.

The residue left from methamphetamine use within a property is invisible, odourless, and very difficult to detect without specialised testing. Exposure to this contamination can have significant health implications for the property’s occupants. These include:

  • Severe breathing problems particularly for people with asthma or emphysema
  • Chronic headaches, migraines, and brain fog
  • behaviour and developmental problems in children
  • Sleep disturbances and chronic fatigue
  • Watery, red, and burning eyes, often accompanied by discharge and pain
  • Irritation of the mucus membranes, especially in the nose and throat
  • Skin irritations, redness, and rashes
  • Chest pain and increased risk of cardiac conditions
  • Abdominal pain, diarrhea, and issues with gut health
  • Immune problems, chronic disease, and many more

Contact one of our expert inspectors for further advice or to book an inspection.