A Review of Methods Used to Detect Methamphetamine from Indoor Air and Textiles in Confined Spaces

Abstract

Methamphetamine manufacture, use, and the resulting contamination is a significant issue that affects public health, the environment, and the economy. Third-hand exposure to methamphetamine can result in adverse health risks for individuals and first responders. Such exposures can result from the inhalation of airborne residues or from contact with contaminated objects. This review was conducted to determine the current methods used for methamphetamine extraction from indoor air and porous fabric materials. Dynamic solid phase microextraction (SPME) and sorbent sampling tubes have been applied to extract airborne methamphetamine residues from contaminated properties. SPME and solvent extraction have been applied to sample clothing and textiles for methamphetamine detection. This review demonstrates that there is limited literature on the detection of methamphetamine from indoor air and clothing. Supplementary and consistent methods to detect methamphetamine from air and porous surfaces should be developed and published to allow better assessment of the environmental risk to public health caused by third-hand exposure to methamphetamine.

Keywords: contamination; detection; environmental exposure; indoor air; methamphetamine; textile; third-hand exposure.

Figure 1

Structures of members of the amphetamine-type stimulants (ATS) class of amphetamine, methamphetamine, 3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine (MDA), and 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA).

Figure 2

Literature search flow diagram presenting the exclusion process for studies showing the total number of articles (n = 16) identified as eligible.