Meth or "P" contamination in homes are caused by smoking or cooking of methamphetamine. This has now become a serious growing issue in New Zealand. The chemical residue in meth can get absorbed into the soft furnishing, walls, ceilings and carpets of homes. The meth can then get absorbed into our body when we come in contact with the contaminated areas, and this can cause serious health issues.
It is hazardous to occupy properties that have been contaminated with meth. The short term effects of the chemicals produced from cooking meth include skin rashes, eye irritations, asthma-like symptoms, breathing difficulties, headaches and nausea. The symptoms will depend on the sensitivity of an individual. The long term health effects can include chronic fatigue, diseases of the central nervous system, circulatory system, strokes and cancer.
It is also costly to own a property that has been contaminated with meth. Meth decontamination can cost owners between $5,000 to $50,000, depending on the extent of the contamination!
Our trained sampling technicians offers professional and independent testing at very affordable rates. See our pricing list below. You can also book a test with us to and we will get back to you to discuss your testing needs.
Meth contamination usually goes undetected, and METH TESTING are becoming a new norm for home buyers, vehicle and boat owners.
Revised guidelines by the Ministry of Health in October 2016 revised October 2016 define post decontamination levels based Meth contamination is due to manufacture of methamphetamine or due to use of methamphetamine. For places where Clandestine Meth Lab Sites safe levels for meth contamination is at 0.5μg/100 cm2 and for place where only Meth use has occurred, the revised post decontamination recommendations are; 1.5 μg/100 cm2 carpeted properties and 2.0 μg/100 cm2 uncarpeted properties.
GUIDELINES TO LANDLORDS
Tenancy Services
For more information from the NZ Police about Meth labs
TYPES OF TEST
Presumptive
How is it done?
Test are taken from a location in the house using a CHECK4METH testing kit. This will provide on the spot positive results for methamphetamine > 0.5µg/100cm2, and negative otherwise. Presumptive tests do not determine the exact amount of meth on a surface. If the result is positive, we would recommend a COMPREHENSIVE lab tests.
What does the test show?
The test over a sample area will indicate positive for meth above 0.5µg/100cm2. For a positive results at the property, further quantitative LAB testing may be required to determine the amount of meth contamination.
How long to get results?
within 5 mins per test area.
A report will be emailed within 1-2 working days.
How much does it costs?
$199 +GST
The price is for testing 5 areas in the house. $269 + GST for 7 test areas, $349 + GST for 10 test areas
Composite
How is it done?
Individual samples are taken across separate locations in the house, and they are grouped in together and sent to an independent lab for testing. The result will represent an average contamination. The individual samples are stored up to 1 month in the lab, and it will be cheaper should you to follow up with a COMPREHENSIVE lab test.
What does the test show?
The test will reveal the average amount of Meth present in the house (based on sampling locations). It won't tell you which rooms are contaminated though. For that, you would need to do Comprehensive test.
How long to get results?
5 working days.
(add extra $50 for speedy 2-3 days turnaround)
How much does it costs?
$289 +GST
The price reflects test for a 4 bedroom house, with ONE composite sampling of up to 10 locations.
Comprehensive
How is it done?
Individual samples are taken across the house, and sent to an independent lab for testing. A report is prepared and released to you, with exact levels of meth per sample area. You would know which rooms would require decontamination in order to meet the recommended meth contamination levels set by Ministry of Health.
What does the test show?
The test analysis will reveal the exact amount of Meth present in the sampled location. Therefore, it will tell you which rooms are contaminated. The report will include the level of meth contamination per sampled area.
How long to get results?
5 working days.
(add extra $50 for speedy 2-3 days turnaround)
How much does it costs?
$129 +GST per sample test
About 10 samples are required for a 4 bedroom house. If you had done a composite test with us, then pay $109 +GST per sample.
Limitations
Limitations of the Meth tests
Meth test is based on finding and detecting chemical residues from the surface where random samples was taken from. The result would relate to ONLY the area that was tested, and it does not rule out the presence of methamphetamine in any other parts of the building where testing was not conducted.
Also, if efforts had been taken to mask or cover-up the contamination (i.e. by cleaning, re-painting the surface, putting wall paper etc), then the residue may not be present on the surface to provide a positive analysis.
Book a Test
https://www.betterspaces.co.nz/
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