METH MANUFACTURING AND CHILD ABUSE

Parents or adults who manufacture methamphetamine (crystal meth) in a home that has children are contributing to the neglect of a child. Children are removed from the home because of the unsafe environment, even if they are at school or somewhere else when the meth lab is discovered.

Meth Power Point - Click to view.

From January – March, 2007, 33% of the children (42 of 130) in Jackson County DHR custody entered care as a result of their parent’s use or activity in the in the manufacturing of crystal methamphetamine. This percentage has decreased from a record high of 56% in July – September, 2003.

METHAMPHETAMINE IS:
• a potent central nervous system stimulant
• made illegally
• highly addictive

EFFECTS OF METH ADDICTION INCLUDE: www.drugabuse.gov
• Increased wakefulness and physical activity
• Decreased appetite
• Psychotic behavior, hallucinations, and stroke (with chronic, long-term use)

THE CHEMICALS USED TO MAKE METH INCLUDE:
• Drano
• Lye
• Iodine
• Engine starter
• Paint thinner
• Brake cleaner
• Coleman camp fuel
• Hydrochloric acid
• Ephedrine (an ingredient in cold medications)
• Methanol (a colorless, toxic, flammable liquid used as an antifreeze)
• Acetone (a highly flammable liquid used as an organic solvent; also used to make plastics)

These chemicals are toxic, highly flammable, and potentially lethal. When these chemicals
are mixed to “cook” meth, the resulting fumes and waste permeate walls, wood, carpets, plaster, soil, and groundwater for years. Meth manufacturing produces 5 or 6 pounds of toxic waste for every one pound of product made.

WHEN THESE VAPORS OR CHEMICALS ARE INHALED, ABSORBED, OR INGESTED:
• The eyes, nose, and throat burn and are irritated
• The immune system, respiratory system, central nervous system, liver, and kidneys are damaged
• Cancer, and short- and long-term brain damage could result

REPORT METH MANUFACTURING TO:

• The police department 256-574-3333
• The sheriff’s department 256-574-2610 or 256-574-9300
• 1-866-303-METH
• www.seemethstopmeth.com

Related links: www.dfmarshallco.org (Drug Free Marshall County website)
www.governorpress.state.al.us (5/24/05 anti-meth law press conference)
www.mamasite.net (Mothers Against Meth-Amphetamine)

fof@hiwaay.net