BY AUGUST VERNON
If your agency is dispatched to what might be a clandestine drug laboratory (clan lab), would you know how to recognize one and safeguard your safety? What would happen if your responders found one during routine activities?
A clan lab is any laboratory that manufactures illegal, controlled drugs or substances. These labs have been found in single- and multiple-family dwellings, motel rooms, campgrounds and woods, mini-storage buildings, and motor vehicles, among other places.
Law enforcement raids on clan labs have the potential to escalate into a hazmat, a fire, or an EMS response. Increasingly, local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies are requesting that fire and EMS assets be available during the thousands of law enforcement raids that take place across the United States annually. Every year, several first responders in the United States are exposed to and injured by these labs.
一个日益严重的问题
对于急救人员而言，氏族实验室不是一个新问题。1970年11月的《国家消防协会》（National Fire Protection Assocociation火命令。关键问题之一是甲基苯丙胺（METH）非常简单且廉价地制作。大多数厨师学会从其他厨师那里做饭。与其他经销商之间竞争的药物不同，冰毒厨师有时会互相合作：当一个人用尽了基本成分时，他会与另一个已知的厨师交易。厨师通过向其地区的其他用户收取费用来教他们做饭，从而赚钱。根据药物执法局（DEA）的数据，2008年扣押的99％的实验室与甲基苯丙胺有关。在美国，据报道，当年有6,783次甲基苯丙胺实验室事件。这些事件包括实验室，垃圾场和化学/玻璃/设备发现。
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| (1) Responders must be aware of the equipment used in a clandestine drug lab. (Photos by author.) |
根据联邦调查局的说法，执法记录表明，每年在美国，至少有三个甲基苯丙胺实验室厨师被爆炸或毒物化学事件杀死。许多其他厨师受伤和烧伤。同样，减轻，调查和拆除这些实验室的响应者的伤害数量大大增加。财产损失和对平民的伤害也大大增加了。在美国西部，一些城市报告说，在醉酒时，甲基苯丙胺实验室逮捕在影响/驾驶下超过了驾驶。急救人员必须确保在这些类型的事件发生在其司法管辖区之前，就必须制定响应指南和程序。
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| (2) Containers with multilayered liquids can be an indicator of a clandestine drug lab. |
It has been shown that areas with a high amount of meth abuse also have an increase in domestic abuse, child abuse, unemployment, and violence. Thousands of independent traffickers and cooks operate across this country, and there are increasing numbers of smaller “mom and pop” labs operating in the Southeast. Meth abusers are found in all segments of society, not just in the “poor areas.” Meth remains popular with young people at clubs and all-night parties called “raves.” College students and truckers use meth to stay awake. Athletes use meth to relieve fatigue. Some dieters use meth to lose weight. Although some users may begin taking meth for some of these reasons, they quickly become addicted.
METH HAZARDS AND STREET VALUE
Meth is a central nervous system stimulant. Its effects are very similar to cocaine: Users experience increased energy and euphoria. However, the duration of the meth high lasts much longer than that of cocaine, from six to 14 hours.
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| (3) A wide range of household materials and chemicals are used in the production of meth. |
可以注入，吸入和抽烟。长期的使用者（调整器）在长时间的爆炸中每隔几个小时就会使用高水平的药物，可以持续一周以上。随着沉迷的施虐者保持清醒状态长达一周的时间，他们开始经历极端的烦躁，紧张，焦虑，偏执，幻觉，幻觉以及睡眠剥夺行为的暴力或不稳定的行为。
Keep in mind that during these binges, the cook/user will often cook more meth, making it easier, because of drug use and sleep deprivation, to make a mistake while performing a complex chemical synthesis. Responders need to be very careful when dealing with these individuals, because they have a high incidence of the following communicable diseases: HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, cholera, and infectious skin disorders. Proper personal protective equipment is a must when dealing with a meth-addicted person.
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(4) Large and unusual amounts of ephedrine products and other household materials can be key indicators of a clandestine drug lab. |
一盎司的甲基苯丙胺可以以$ 100到$ 200的价格生产。它的售价为10,000至15,000美元，每磅100美元。一个关键问题是，一磅生产的甲基苯丙胺最多会产生五磅或更多磅的危险废物。
HOUSEHOLD MATERIALS
通常，甲基苯丙胺是一种白色粉末，很容易溶解在水中。冰毒，透明矮胖的晶体的另一种形式称为水晶甲基或冰。冰毒也可以是小型，鲜艳的片剂的形式。以下是用于生产甲基苯丙胺的家庭材料的清单：伪麻黄碱，一种在非处方冷药中包含的药物以及生产甲基苯丙胺所需的主要成分；铝箔；油漆稀释剂；锂相机电池；矿物精神；木炭打火机；无水氨； denatured alcohol; matchbooks and matchbook striker plates; rock, table, or Epsom salt; camp fuel; gas line antifreeze (methanol); muriatic acid; tincture of iodine (used to form crystals); sulfuric acid; lye (sodium hydroxide); ammonium nitrate; dry ice; acetone; coffee filters, cheesecloth, or napkins (to separate liquids from solids); pots, pans, stoves, or pressure cookers (cooking); iced tea jars, sports jars, or glassware (to separate layers of liquids); blenders; ice chests, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) cylinders; coolers; turkey basters; and chemical containers.
FIRE/EMS Warning Signs
Unless you are requested to stand by at a drug lab “take down,” most drug lab incidents will usually be reported as other types of emergencies. The following are some examples: medical aid calls with burn or smoke-inhalation victims; “man-down” calls; structure fires and rubbish fires, perhaps accompanied by explosions or “loud booms”; and investigation calls (smoke investigations, odor complaints, illegal dumping, and sick buildings).
If you note that all of the items in the room (lab) are common household items in unusually large amounts, suspect that you are in a clan lab. Lye is a great example. Most households no longer have a can of lye; if they do, they have only one. If you respond to a call and see 12 cans of lye on a table in the living room, there is a good chance that you are in a clan lab.Attention to detail can save your life!
If you see a large amount of cold tablet punch/blister packs that list ephedrine or pseudoephedrine as their primary medicinal ingredient, remember that this ingredient is a precursor ingredient for the manufacture of meth. Likewise, the following are also clues that the location is a clan lab:
- Jars containing clear liquid with a white- or red-colored solid on the bottom.
- Jars labeled as containing iodine or that contain dark shiny metallic purple crystals.
- Jars labeled as containing red phosphorus or that contain a fine dark red or purple powder.
- 咖啡过滤器，其中包含白色糊状物质，深红色污泥或少量闪亮的白色晶体。
- 瓶贴上含有硫酸、氯化的or hydrochloric acid.
- 带有橡胶管的瓶子或罐子。
- Glass cookware or frying pans containing a powdery residue.
- An unusually large number of cans of camp fuel, paint thinner, acetone, lye, and drain cleaners containing sulfuric acid or bottles containing muriatic acid.
- Large numbers of lithium batteries, especially if they have been stripped.
- Soft silver or gray metallic ribbon (in chunk form) stored in oil or kerosene.
- 带有配件的丙烷坦克变成蓝色。
- Occupants of the residence outside smoking.
- 尿液或异常化学气味的强烈气味，例如乙醚，氨或丙酮。
Some exterior structural indicators you may see or experience during your initial “windshield survey” include covered (plastic) or painted windows, chemical odors, homemade bars on doors or windows, chemical containers and glassware (indoors or outdoors), stains on walls and ceilings, corrosion of metal surfaces, unusual pipes or ducts coming from windows or walls, fans in inappropriate places, portable generators for outdoor sites, and propane tanks or other types of pressurized containers with unusual valves or attachments. Look for objects or people who seem out of place for the location or time of the call. If something looks suspicious, it probably is. All the above indicators are not proof that you have discovered a clan drug lab, but they should raise a “red flag.” Be more aware of your surroundings and the situation.
TOP 10 HAZARDS
The major hazards you may encounter at a clan lab response are the following:
- 1. A flammable or an explosive atmosphere.
- 2. An oxygen-deficient or toxic atmosphere.
- 3. Leaking or damaged compressed gas cylinders.
- 4. Clan labs in confined spaces.
- 5. Water-reactive and pyrophoric chemicals.
- 6. Damaged and leaking chemical containers.
- 7.电气危害和点火源。
- 8. Reactions in progress, which can include containers under high heat and high pressure.
- 9. Incompatible chemical reactions.
- 10. Bombs and booby traps.
Incompatible, reactive chemicals are being mixed and cooked in confined spaces. Tremendous amounts of hazardous waste can be produced. In addition to the chemical and process hazards present in a clan lab, responders need to also be aware of antipersonnel devices, or booby traps. These devices are sometimes designed to protect the lab operators’ investment while they are away and also to serve as warning devices to aid in the owner’s or operator’s escape. Unfortunately, they can also incapacitate responders. Do not attempt to move, handle, or disarm a confirmed or suspected improvised explosive device, homemade explosive, or booby trap. These are jobs for specially trained personnel.
RESPONSE GUIDELINES
Follow your local guidelines and procedures when responding to these incidents. This article is for informational and educational purposes only. Clan drug labs can cause three main types of harm: physical injury from explosions, fires, chemical burns, and toxic fumes; environmental hazards; and child endangerment. Preparation is key. That includes a clear idea of what your actions will be before an incident occurs. The first step in your preparation is to properly train all response personnel to make them aware of the hazards and risks associated with clan drug labs. If a drug lab is suspected, alert local law enforcement and secure the area.
- If responding to a working fire in a structure or a vehicle containing a known lab, it is a good idea to conduct rescues, protect exposures, and let the chemicals burn.This will depend on your local guidelines.
- Attempting to control the fire may be very hazardous for the entry team.
- Runoff may be an issue.
- If the fire is small, use dry chemical or carbon dioxide extinguishers.This will depend on your local guidelines.
- If the initial fire attack is in progress when the location is identified as a clan lab, withdraw the attack teams and shift from an offensive to a defensive operation.
- Evacuate all structures surrounding the incident, and initiate hazmat zones.
- Discontinue overhaul, and leave the structure if chemicals and drug apparatus are found.
- Carefully think through decontamination considerations before entry, especially in the case of a responder emergency. Focus on hasty or emergency decon procedures.
- 如果在输入结构或车辆上发现了药物实验室，请在不延迟的情况下在现场提醒其他响应者，并且不要触摸任何东西，包括光开关。立即退出；观看反某人设备和其他危害。如果可能的话，将所有乘员带出您。
- Use care when interacting with a meth user.
- Remember that you have happened on an illegal activity, which is also a crime scene.If you encounter a clan lab and identify it as such, follow regular hazmat response procedures or guidelines.
- Most hazmat guidelines dictate that you set up hazard zones. Position all response personnel and vehicles upwind, and keep all other people out of the area.
- Notify local law enforcement immediately.
- 如果您的管辖权有一个Hazmat响应团队，您可能必须将其召集到现场，以协助Decon和设置控制区。在团队成员的到来时，请向他们简要介绍您的发现和行动。根据需要支持和协助团队。
- Several decisions will have to be made. Establish Unified Command.
DO NOT
- Touch anything in the lab.
- Turn on or off any electrical power switches or light switches.
- Eat or drink in or around a lab.
- Open or move containers with chemicals or suspected chemicals.
- Smoke anywhere near a lab.
- Sniff any containers.
DO
- 净化自己和衣服。
- Wash your hands and face thoroughly.
- Call your local law enforcement or DEA district office.1
Safety is paramount for all responders during these types of incidents. Remember to follow local guidelines and procedures.
It is impossible to cover all the issues that you will need to address during a clan lab response. Each community should have some type of a plan in place to address these incidents. Hopefully, this information will enable you to assist your agency with planning and training. The more our public safety agencies prepare, the more efficiently and safely they will be able to manage any type of situation that might arise. The community has entrusted you with its safety. Prepare now.
Endnote
1.有关氏族实验室响应，培训和计划的更多信息，请参见以下内容：Special Operations for Terrorism and Hazmat Crimes, Mike Hildebrand, Greg Noll, and Chris Hawley, www.redhatpub.com/ andFirst Responders Critical Incident Field Guide, August Vernon, www.redhatpub.com/.
AUGUST VERNONis an assistant coordinator/operations officer for the Forsyth County (NC) Office of Emergency Management. He returned in 2005 to this position after spending a year in Iraq as a security contractor conducting convoy security. Vernon has been a member of emergency management since 2000 and was a member of the fire service and a fire service instructor. He also served in the U.S. Army as a nuclear, biological, and chemical operations specialist and teaches courses in incident management, mass violence, hazmat operations, and terrorism/weapons of mass destruction response. He has also been published in several national publications.
