Back to Annual Meeting Page		American Public Health Association 133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition December 10-14, 2005 Philadelphia, PA

Abstract #118206

Kiti Freier, PhD¹, Nicola Erb, MA², Sargeant James Gerhardt³, Duane C. McBride, PhD⁴, and John Martyny, PhD, CIH². (1) Departments of Psychology and Pediatrics, Loma Linda University and Children's Hospital, 11130 Anderson St., Suite 102, Loma Linda, CA 92350, 909-558-8725, kfreier@psych.llu.edu, (2) National Jewish Medical and Research Center, 1400 Jackson Street, Denver, CO 80206, (3) Rocky Mtn. HIDTA, Mtn. States Precursor Committee, Clandestine Lab Coordinator, 10200 E. Girard Ave., Building C, Suite 444, Denver, CO 80231, (4) Institute for the Prevention of Addictions, Andrews University, Highway 31, Berrien Springs, MI 49104

INTRODUCTION: According to the El Paso Intelligence Center there has been an overwhelming rise in clandestine manufacturing of methamphetamine across the nation from 9,153 in 2002 to 17,403 in 2004. Studies have proven that chemical exposures associated with clandestine methamphetamine labs far exceed occupational standards for an adult workforce let alone children forced to live in these environments. Thus, as law enforcement officers have become more sophisticated in the detection and seizure of these clandestine labs, it has become astoundingly apparent that the real victims are children. As a result it is vital to assess for unique health and quality of life risks for children living in drug endangered environments. METHODS: Controlled methamphetamine ‘cooks' in simulated living conditions were conducted by law enforcement chemists with chemical exposures measured by industrial hygienists to quantify toxic risks. Investigation of physical (respiratory problems, burns) and psychosocial factors (rates of abuse, neglect) for children living in clandestine drug labs will be contrasted to those living in homes with caregiver drug use absent the element of drug manufacturing. RESULTS: Data will be presented which quantifies the significant environmental toxic risks to children living in clandestine labs. However, living in drug endangered homes regardless if drugs are manufactured, sold or used puts children at significant psychosocial risk. CONCLUSIONS: Clandestine labs present a unique environmental hazard for children. However, social toxins, such as chaotic, abusive, violent and unpredictable environments must be addressed for all children in any drug endangered environment.

Learning Objectives:

• Participants will appreciate the unique environmental risks to children living in clandestine labs. Further, participants will gain an appreciation of the psychosocial risks to all drug endangered children.

Keywords: Children, Drug Abuse

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

I wish to disclose that I have NO financial interests or other relationship with the manufactures of commercial products, suppliers of commercial services or commercial supporters.