Illegal methamphetamine operations, commonly referred to as clandestine labs or "clan labs" are extremely dangerous environments that can vary from small to high production enterprises. These labs take minimal space and can be set up almost anywhere including the trunks of automobiles, residential houses, storage facilities, campers, hotels, and even fields.

Clandestine labs can cause harm in three ways.

• Harm to the environment - For every kilogram of methamphetamine produced, there are 5 to 7 kilograms of waste. The discarded waste that is produced is toxic and can remain viable and present in the environment for years.
• Physical injury and death - Chemical reactions during the production of methamphetamine may produce dangerous phosphine gas, which is both poisonous and explosive. Clandestine labs often produce odours similar to nail polish remover, "rotting fish" and "concentrated cat urine."
• Drug endangered children - Children who live in conditions where a clandestine lab is operating are at risk from fire, air contamination and chemical burns. Absorpton of chemicals or injury may occur by inhalation, skin exposure and accidental ingestion and injection. Exposure to clandestine labs can further have an adverse effect on the growth and development of a child.

Sources:
Clandestine Labs: A guide for Police. RCMP "K" Division. 2003

Drug Endangered Children Health and Safety Manual. Drug Endangered Children Resource Center. California, 2000.