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June 28, 2005
Hidden Hazard
Hidden hazard
Star Tribune Paper, June 26, 2005
This article was about meth lab homes. Currently, if a house was formerly used as a meth lab they do not need to tell the people interested in buying the home. They are trying to get a law passed, where people will be notified if the house was used as a meth lab. There are many hazards in a home that was used as a meth lab. Some examples are: sinks, bathtubs, toilets, plumbing, stoves, refrigerators, appliances, walls, ceilings, tile, wood, hard surfaces, carpeting, draperies, heating, venilation system, soil outside, water well and septic tanks are just a few examples. The article stated that a couple moved into their home (which used as a meth home) were there the first night and the husband had chest pains and was brought to the hospital. Also, little children who crawl on the floor can be at severe risk because the chemicals are likely to have spilled on the floor or tracked around the house because it was on the bottem of their shoes.
I think that there needs to be a law to inform people on meth lab homes. People should be notified if there is a meth lab in the neighborhood as well. Good ways to avoid buying a previous meth home is: talk to neighbors, police and look at the house carefully for any signs . Some of these signs to look for could be: burn piles in the yard, strong odors and dark stains in drains.
Comments
Although the article is quite distressing, I am glad that Dianna brought this article to class for our forum. It is good knowledge to have, and yes, I agree there should be a law stating full disclosure about meth properties -- both for the neighbors and the buyer in cases of home sales. In addition, I wonder what the consequences are for those caught producing meth -- maybe it's only a 'slap on the wrist' and the U.S. needs to add a more severe legal consequence.
Posted by: Debbie at June 28, 2005 7:29 PM
Actually, if you get caught making methamphetamines the consequences are quite severe. If the person is making some quantity say, a pound or more they face 10 to 20 years in prison if not more. I thought that the police confiscated houses along with everything else so it is a bit surprising that they would not tell the new owner of the houses crack head past.
Posted by: CHUCK at June 29, 2005 12:03 AM