Dangers of meth houses

The next BRAVE lecture will discuss the potential health impacts of methamphetamine (meth) residues absorbed into household surfaces, that remain after usage in the home has ceased.

Meth residues are odourless, colourless and can be absorbed by most surfaces in a home – with potential for health impacts including sleep problems, headaches, rashes, or difficulty breathing.

An invisible irritant to many, exposure can cause a wide range of health problems and conditions including behavioural changes in young children.

Flinders Adjunct Researcher, Dr Jackie Wright, is conducting research into characterising the health and other impacts that occur when people rent or purchase a home that was previously contaminated by methamphetamine, either in the form of using or manufacturing the drug.

Dr Wright will present case studies and discuss:

  • How to identify whether a home was used as a meth lab or to smoke the drug
  • Levels of contamination, and how long they last without remediation
  • The adverse health effects associated with living in a former meth-contaminated home or lab
  • How to have a house tested for methamphetamine

Concluding the session will be a panel discussion moderated by Professor Paul Kirkbride including experts from the public health and crime sectors:

  • Dr Jackie Wright, Adjunct Professor, Flinders University
  • Ms Michaela Hobby, Manager Health Protection Programs, SA Health
  • Ms Alice Whiley, Environmental Health Officer, City of Onkapargina
  • Mr Ben Painter, Forensic Scientist, Forensic Science SA
  • Detective Brevet Sergeant Toan Nguyen, Drug & Organised Crime Task Force, South Australia Police

BRAVE Flinders Research & Innovation Series | Breathing bad: the dangers of living in a former meth house

Where: Flinders University Victoria Square, Level 1 Room 1

When: Wednesday, 31 October 2018, 5:30-7:30pm

Register: Via the Flinders University Events webpage

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