Wanda Lizak Welles, PhD and Rebecca E. Wilburn, MPH. Bureau of Toxic Substance Assessment, New York State Department of Health, Flanigan Square, Room 330, 547 River Street, Troy, NY 12180, 518-402-7810, wlw02@health.state.ny.us

Methamphetamine, a powerfully addictive stimulant, can be produced in clandestine drug laboratories. The Hazardous Substances Emergency Events Surveillance (HSEES), supported by the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR), collects data on environmental health threats such as methamphetamine labs. In the past few years, law enforcement personnel in New York State have identified increasing clandestine drug lab activity, primarily methamphetamine manufacture. These labs have been found in locations such as private residences, apartments, motels, cars and wooded areas. Many of the substances used or produced in the manufacture of methamphetamines are hazardous (flammable, explosive, toxic and corrosive) and may be spilled, dumped, or burned on surrounding property. Also, the persons making the drugs are often drug users who can exhibit dangerous, erratic behaviors and may have large dogs, booby traps, and/or firearms for protection. The New York HSEES system has characterized the emerging clandestine drug lab problem and collected data on lab locations, the chemicals released and reported injuries. This presentation will provide an overview of the clandestine drug lab problem in New York State and the collaborative education and outreach actions involving New York HSEES. Prevention activities include working to raise awareness by participating in a multi-agency work group and presenting chemical hazard information at several multi-agency educational sessions. The New York State Department of Health also prepared guidance on the hazards of clandestine drug labs for use by public health professionals responding to odor complaints in New York.

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