Evidence of methamphetamine exposure in children removed from clandestine methamphetamine laboratories

Abstract

Objective: To determine whether asymptomatic children removed from clandestine methamphetamine laboratories have evidence of exposure to methamphetamine.

Methods: Retrospective chart review of children removed from law enforcement-certified clandestine methamphetamine laboratories in the Tulsa area of Oklahoma and Sacramento County, California. Exposure was determined by positive urine toxicology for methamphetamine.

Results: One hundred four children were evaluated after removal from clandestine methamphetamine laboratories. Forty-eight children (46%) tested positive for methamphetamine. Timed urine results were known for 68 of 104, with no child testing positive after 6.5 hours from being removed from the laboratory. No child required emergency medical treatment at the time urine samples were obtained.

Conclusions: Almost half of the children in this sample had evidence of exposure to methamphetamine soon after removal from methamphetamine manufacturing environments. Further research is indicated to determine the health effects of subclinical methamphetamine exposure.