Methamphetamine Paraphernalia

Acute care nurses need to be able to recognize drug paraphernalia. Patients may bring paraphernalia when admitted to acute care facilities. Possession of paraphernalia should trigger related health assessment and an appropriate hazardous materials response to prevent the exposure of health workers.

• Meth pipes may be homemade or commercially produced. Pipes consist of a heating chamber and a tube through which the meth vapors are inhaled.
• Metal spoons can be heated underneath and the drug vapors inhaled.
• Light bulbs can be carefully broken creating a heating vessel within which crystal methamphetamine placed and heated. The vapors are then inhaled through the opening.
  • Additional photos of paraphernalia can be seen at the KCI The Anti-Meth site.
• Aluminum foil can be formed into a bowl, filled with the drug and heated, allowing the drug vapors to be inhaled from the top.

  Methamphetamine paraphernalia is identified in this picture by Stop drugs.org, as well as some typical meth capsules and pills.

Visiting nurses, community health nurses and first responders need to be able to recognize both paraphernalia and indications of Meth manufacturing. Many of the substances involved in Meth production are hazardous. Some of these include: alcohol, ether, benzene, red phosphorous, iodine, acetone, paint thinner, camp stove fuel, heet, ammonia, lye,  drano, hydrochloric acid, battery acid, propane cylinders, ephedrine, bronchodilators.

Signs of a Meth Lab   

• Amber staining on the wall, furniture and counters.
• Unusual strong odor (ether, ammonia, garlic or smell similar to cat urine)
• Excessive trash (antifreeze containers or drain cleaner)
• Windows blacked out
• Excessive amounts of visitors

What To Do If You Encounter a Clandestine Meth Lab

• DO NOT touch anything in the lab
• DO NOT turn on any electrical power switches or light switches
• DO NOT turn off any electrical power switches or light switches
• DO NOT eat or drink in or around a lab
• DO NOT open or move containers with chemicals or suspected chemicals
• DO NOT sniff any containers
• DO exit the premises ASAP
• DO decontaminate yourself and your clothing
• DO wash your hands and face thoroughly
• DO call your local authorities or DEA district office

Source: United States Drug Enforcement Administration (2007) http://www.usdoj.gov/dea/concern/methlab_whattodo.html

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