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Meth Conversion Lab Busted in California and Toxic Chemical Exposure Risks

Methamphetamine Testing Services

Category	Press Release
Publish Date	1/21/2025
Author	Paul Cochrane
Title	Meth Conversion Lab Busted in California and Toxic Chemical Exposure Risks
Introduction	LA Testing provides laboratory services, sampling supplies, test kits, air monitoring instruments, and personal protective equipment (PPE) to identify and mitigate exposure risks to hazardous chemicals left behind by clandestine drug operations.
Huntington Beach, California, January 21, 2025 Last month, the Kern County Sheriff’s Office announced it had concluded a narcotics investigation with the execution of search warrants at a clandestine methamphetamine conversion lab in Bakersfield, California. The investigation resulted in the seizure of approximately 85 pounds of methamphetamine and the arrest of several people. This particular investigation resulted in the dismantling of a large-scale clandestine methamphetamine conversion lab/operation, which is good news for area residents. According to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the chemicals found at methamphetamine conversion labs and methamphetamine clandestine labs are highly volatile and may ignite or explode if mixed or stored improperly. Fires and explosions pose risks not only to the individuals producing the drugs, but also to anyone in the surrounding area. Toxic chemical exposure can also pose a variety of health risks. “Improperly handled chemicals can easily emit toxic fumes, spark fires, and even explode,” said Michael Chapman, Laboratory Manager at LA Testing’s Huntington Beach facility. “Properties used as conversion labs or to produce drugs can even be a threat for future building occupants as residues may be left behind on surfaces. Materials such as carpeting, wallboard, ceiling tiles, furniture, and fabrics can also easily absorb spilled or vaporized chemicals.” In California, the Methamphetamine Contaminated Property Act of 2005 requires the clean-up of these types of properties so they are safe for future occupants. To help in this effort, LA Testing offers laboratory testing services, sampling supplies, easy-to-use test kits, and personal protective equipment. These tests are used to identify unknown substances and chemical residues, and for confirming remediation efforts have been successful. LA Testing recently sponsored an educational video about meth labs and building occupant exposure risks that can be seen at: https://youtu.be/Mt_P591sBAo To learn more about testing for methamphetamine, drug residues, and toxic chemicals, please visit www.LATesting.com, email info@LATesting.com, or call (800) 755-1794. To obtain a Methamphetamine Test Kit for surface residues, visit www.EMSLTestKits.com. About LA Testing LA Testing is California’s leading laboratory for environmental and indoor air quality testing of asbestos, mold, bacteria, lead, VOCs, formaldehyde, soot, char, ash and smoke damage, particulates and other chemicals. In addition, LA Testing offers a full range of air sampling and investigative equipment to professionals and the general public. LA Testing maintains an extensive list of accreditations including: AIHA LAP LLC., AIHA ELLAP, AIHA EMLAP and AIHA IHLAP, CDC ELITE, NVLAP, State of California, State of Hawaii Department of Health and other states. LA Testing, along with the EMSL Analytical, Inc. network, has multiple laboratories throughout California including South Pasadena, Huntington Beach, San Leandro and San Diego.