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Parksville Branch: yellow triangle Duncan Branch:

Parksville Branch: yellow triangle
Duncan Branch:

Clandestine Lab

Clean Up Services

We clear out illegal meth labs from drug houses, crime scenes, and rental properties.

Learn more
Clandestine Lab
Clean Up Services

We clear out illegal meth labs from drug houses, crime scenes, and rental properties.

Learn more
Photo of Hazmat worker with police tape and gear on dark background, Harbour Hazmat
Photo of drug lab equipment on table

What are clandestine labs?

Typically referred to as drug labs these include illicit and non-illicit substances such as cannabis, methamphetamine, cocaine, fentanyl, and other lesser-known substances.

Clandestine labs are found in many types of buildings but most often in residential homes. Some criminals are quite good at hiding their lab and it isn’t always discovered until after they have left the premises or an accident has occurred (such as an explosion). Despite the best efforts of landlords, sometimes these things happen under the radar. Since there are no regulations for producing illegal drugs, the quantity and type of substances in these sites vary extensively.
Photo of neighbourhood homes with blue sky in behind

Residential homes previously used for clandestine labs can pose health concerns for those re-occupying the home. The probability that residual chemicals will lead to adverse health effects depends on the amount of exposure and the toxicity of the residues. Labs contain a variety of contaminants and by-products that do not have predictable health effects. Infants and children are most at risk of exposure to residual chemicals.  

For further information check out the link to RCMP page for clandestine labs below.

Wiki Page
Photo of crime scene with police tape encompassing home and police surrounding it

How do I know if my home had an illegal drug lab?

Even if the site looks clean, meth residue or other chemical wastes are likely to still be present.

There can be some obvious signs like drug paraphernalia, burn marks, leftover plants and residue, and reports from neighbours.

Photo of Harbour Hazmat worker with mask on

These environments are also likely to have seen things like toxic fumes, small explosions, poisonous gases, and residue causing issues like chemical burns and respiratory issues. Our removal and remediation processes are thorough, affecting both the interior and exterior of the building. If you suspect your property contained an illicit lab, contact Harbour Hazmat to get it properly cleaned.

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What to expect

The clandestine lab
clean up process

Remediations based on the severity of contamination

In some cases, buildings will have surfacing materials removed and disposed of entirely. In other cases, we may perform a three-dimensional cleaning of all surfacing materials. However, most of the time the entire home is considered cross-contaminated and will need to be cleaned.

Air Monitoring
and HEPA Air Scrubbers

HVAC systems and ventilation systems can also be affected and may need to be checked for contamination. Afterwards, the home will still need to be aired out. To assist with this, we install air scrubbers throughout the home to help remove potential airborne contamination. In some cases, hard surfacing materials may need to be encapsulated to ensure a physical barrier between any residual contaminants that are unable to be cleaned.

Exterior Inspections

The exterior property surrounding the structure should be inspected for evidence of contamination. Liquid and/or solid chemicals may have been dumped, buried, or burned outside of the building. Where waste materials have been dumped, soil and groundwater may be contaminated. If soil or groundwater contamination is suspected, then specialized investigators may be called to assist with cleanup efforts. Post-remediation sampling may be required in some cases to ensure safe limits are met for cleaned surfaces and air quality.

Clearance Letter

The Clearance Letter is an important document for any sort of legal claims you may have against the criminal that operated the drug lab, or for applying for some mortages and insurance policies. It is also useful if the space will be rented to future tenants.

Our clearance letter helps protect landlords and tenants, so both parties are aware of the safety and cleanliness of the site. Landlords can continue to rent out their properties and tenants can feel safe in their environment knowing they are no longer in danger of accidentally ingesting harmful substances left behind.

How much does it cost to clean illicit labs?

Our estimations are based on the severity and size of the project. Contact Harbour Hazmat for a free estimate on clandestine lab clean-up services.

Construction worker looking at comera in work clothing and arms crossed

Contact
Harbour Hazmat

For further information call Harbour Hazmat for a free consultation.

Call us
Contact us
Construction worker looking at comera in work clothing and arms crossed
Contact
Harbour Hazmat

For further information call Harbour Hazmat for a free consultation.

Call us
Contact us