More should be done to test and tackle meth house contamination.

A recent study conducted by Flinders University has revealed alarming gaps in the reporting and management of methamphetamine contamination in residential properties. 

The study found that less than 10 per cent of suspected contamination cases are reported to council environmental health officers (EHOs), highlighting the need for more stringent regulations and consistent safety protocols to protect public health.

Australian guidelines for the inspection, testing, and decontamination of properties aim to mitigate potential exposure to methamphetamine. 

Experts have raised concerns about third-hand exposure, where meth residues can persist on surfaces like walls and furniture for up to five years, posing a long-term health risk.

Environmental health experts at Flinders University warn that the housing shortage and volatile market conditions may lead property buyers and renters to be less discerning about potential contamination risks. 

They call for the establishment of a regulatory body, adequate training, and an accreditation process for professionals involved in methamphetamine testing and decontamination. 

This would mirror the regulatory framework currently in place for asbestos.

Emma Kuhn, an environmental health lecturer at Flinders University, emphasised the role of local council EHOs in managing clandestine drug laboratories and responding to public inquiries. 

However, the study found that only 6 per cent of EHOs received public inquiries about meth contamination in the past month.

Kuhn also noted the difficulty many individuals face in finding reliable information and trustworthy companies for testing and decontamination.

She suggested that a public toolkit or framework could provide clear guidelines and consistent information to the public, industry professionals, and law enforcement.

“With an estimated 1 in 10 clandestine laboratories discovered or detected by police, it’s rare for a residence to be investigated because a resident needs to suspect contamination and take steps towards testing in order for a house to be investigated for previous meth use,” Kuhn says. 

She also stressed the importance of open communication between councils and law enforcement, and the need for a standardised approach or code of practice for the industry involved in testing and decontamination.

The health effects of methamphetamine exposure, particularly on young children who spend a significant amount of time at home, remain uncertain. 

While more is known about first-hand user exposure and second-hand exposure during the manufacture of amphetamine-type stimulants, the risks associated with long-term, low-level exposure to meth residues are less understood. 

The experts say this underscores the need for further investigation and robust regulatory measures to safeguard public health.

The full study is accessible here.