The public can help combat the spread of meth production, distribution.

Methamphetamine, known as meth, crank, ice, crystal, chalk or speed, are in Maine. The problem is this illegal substance is home-manufactured, highly addictive, and is opposite of the usual drug problem patterns.

Methamphetamine begins in the rural areas where law enforcement is often least capable of managing it. Education and awareness are the only ways to stop this cancer to our way of life.

Meth is manufactured, or “cooked,” from chemicals that are easily obtained. These agents are often a mixture of lighter fluid, lithium batteries, drain cleaner, farm fertilizer, and an over-the-counter medication. The cooking process releases noxious fumes and the manufacture of one pound of drug creates six to 10 pounds of waste so toxic that it requires a Hazmat team to provide site cleanup. Cleanup costs can be as high $150,000 for this man-made disaster and the cleanup is not covered by landowner’s insurance. Many of the labs are operating on land where the landowner is not ever aware. With a meth lab in an area, property values often plummet.

The effects of this highly addictive drug can be seen almost immediately, and the stimulant effects can last as long as 12 hours. It can be snorted, injected or smoked and the cravings for another dose can cause intense skin itching, mood swings, violent outbursts and irrational behavior that endangers others around the user.

Longer-term effects include: brain damage, lung and kidney failure, loss of teeth, accelerated aging, diabetes, extreme depression and paranoia. Children in these homes where the drug is cooked are exposed to the toxic fumes while their young brains are still developing. They often suffer from a lower IQ, a higher incidence of attention deficit disorder, and language deficiencies, all in addition to the blatant lack of food, water and a stable shelter.

Farmers should take note that anhydrous ammonia is the crucial ingredient to speeding up the cooking process. Those making meth ofter try stealing from tanks found on many farms; however, these “cookers” are siphoning the ammonia into empty propane tanks or fire extinguishers which are not designed for that and leaks in liquid or vapor forms can endanger the handlers. If they leave the main tank valve open, whole neighborhoods or schools must be evacuated until the spill is contained. Anyone finding that tampering has occurred should notify local authorities immediately.

Other tips recommended for public safety by law enforcement include:

• Placing the ammonia tanks in more visible locations;

• Placing locks on the tank valves;

• Inspecting tanks on a regular basis.

Is there a meth lab in your neighborhood? We all have to be vigilant to stop these cookers before any site becomes a larger, more costly, toxic waste dump. Look for:

• Blacked-out residence windows;

• Heavy people traffic in and out of a residence, especially at night;

• Excessive trash, particularly with antifreeze containers, and red-stained coffee filters;

• Unusual amounts of clear glass containers;

• Strong odors (ammonia/cat urine odor, nail polish remover/acetone smells, or ether)

What can a person do? Call law enforcement. Do not approach the area on your own.

Meth is here, and we need to pay attention.

Lois Hamel of Auburn is an adult nurse practitioner, nationally certified in adult primary care, and serves as the Maine State Grange chairman for the Family Health and Hearing Committee. For more information on meth, contact her at 783-4849.