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Common Meth Ingredients
Would you swallow a spoonful of drain cleaner? Does the thought of injecting brake fluid into your arm appeal to you? Care to top off your dessert with a bit of rat poison? How about a big drink of starting fluid to start the day?
These are just a few of the common ingredients in Meth. One reason behind the explosive growth in Meth labs is the availability of the components. When users smoke, inject or drink Meth, this is what they are sending to their brain, cardiovascular system and throughout their bodies:
◙Alcohol - Gasoline additives or Rubbing Alcohol 
◙Ether (starting fluid)
◙Benzene
◙Paint thinner
◙Freon
◙Acetone
◙Chloroform
◙Camp stove fuel
◙Anhydrous ammonia
◙White gasoline
◙Pheynl-2-Propane
◙Phenylacetone
◙Phenylpropanolamine
◙Rock, table or Epsom salt
◙Iodine crystals
◙Red Phosphorous
◙Toluene (found in brake cleaner)
◙Red Devil Lye
◙Drain cleaner
◙Muraitic acid
◙Battery acid
◙Lithium from batteries
◙Sodium metal
◙Ephedrine
◙Cold tablets
◙Diet aids
◙Iodine
◙Bronchodialators
◙Energy boosters
Lab equipment including tubing, unmarked Mason jars with tubes attached, stained coffee filters, 2-liter pop bottles, blenders, camera batteries, wooden matches, propane cylinders and hot plates are tip offs to the production of Meth.
Individually, each product is legal and useful. But when mixed together and processed, the results are deadly - to the producer, user and innocent bystanders.
When the ingredients are combined, they can ignite, causing explosions, fires and the release of toxic fumes. Many times, the waste material is dumped outdoors, causing irreparable damage to the environment and drinking water. Vapors seep into plaster and wood. Harsh liquids that are dumped or spilled can remain for a long time as residue in bathtubs, toilets or sinks.
Visit my next blog to learn how to spot a meth lab on your property.
Property Owners-Be Aware Of Meth Labs (Part 1)
Property Owners-Be Aware Of Meth Labs (Part 3) Recognizing A Lab
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Meth can be manufactured anywhere, including in a "cook's" home. This may be a property you own and are leasing to the "cook", or a house that you are considering purchasing. These home labs leave contamination and severe health risks even after the drug is no longer being manufactured in the residence.
A methamphetamine laboratory is typically not a large, permanent facility. It can even be manufactured in a coffee pot. The ingredients are common and generally easy to come by. In fact, meth can be made in makeshift labs small enough to be stored in a suitcase and set up anywhere. These labs have been discovered in the country, in small towns and in the largest cities, in homes, garages, apartments and motels.
Being in or near a Meth lab is extremely dangerous. The toxic nature of the ingredients leaves behind hazardous waste - six pounds of residue are generated by each pound of Meth manufactured. Clean up of a meth lab can run as high as $10,000.
The toxic effects of exposure to Meth lab chemicals depends on three fa
ctors: the lab process and chemicals used, the amount of chemicals and length of exposure, and the age and health of the person exposed. Chemicals may enter the body by being breathed, eaten or absorbed through the skin. Short term effects of exposure to the lab chemicals or byproducts include shortness of breath, a cough, chest pains, dizziness, skin lesions and/or burns to the skin, eyes, nose and mouth. Over the long term, the health risks of even low level exposure include brain, liver and kidney damage, cancer, birth defects and death.
Meth Manufacturing Contaminates Indoors and Out
Outdoors, Meth lab contamination results from manufacturing or the dumping or burning of waste on or near soil, surface water, groundwater, sewer or septic systems.
Contamination caused by the "cooking" and disposing of Meth inside a home will affect: floors, walls, ceilings, working surfaces, furniture, carpeting, paneling, wallpaper, draperies, blinds, light fixtures, kitchen appliances, plumbing fixtures and drains, vent fans, ceiling fans, heating and air-conditioning vents, clothing, toys, etc.
Disclosure of Meth Labs on Property
Missouri statutes require that the present or past existence of meth labs on any property sold, leased or transferred must be disclosed.

Applies if meth is or was produced on any part of the property, inside or out.
Applies to the sale, rental, exchange, lease, or any other transfer of real property.
Applies whether the property had a structure on it or not - improved or unimproved property.
Requires that the owner, seller, landlord or other transferor make the disclosure.
Applies if the owner, seller, landlord or other transferor has or had knowledge of the prior methamphetamine production.
Disclosure is required regardless of whether the persons involved in the production of the methamphetamine were convicted for production.
In my next blog, we will discuss common ingredients used in the production of meth.
Property Owners-Be Aware Of Meth Labs (Part 2) Common Ingredients
Property Owners-Be Aware Of Meth Labs (Part 3) Recognizing a Lab
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Sometimes, no matter how careful you are, a dog will bite. If you do suffer a bite, get to water and wash the wound immediately. This will decrease the chance of infection. Seek medical care as soon as possible.
If it was your own dog that bit you, confine it and call your Vet to check your dog's vaccination records.
If someone else's dog bit you, contact authorities and tell them everything you can about the dog, including owner's name (if known), color, size, and breed of dog, where the incident took place, circumstances leading up to the attack, and any ideas you may have on where the dog may be.
What if my dog bites someone else?
Even if the bite can be explained or was provoked, it's important to take responsibility for your dog's actions.
Restrain the dog immediately. Separate it from the area attack.
Check the victim's condition. Help them to wash the wound. If serious injury has occurred, call emergency personnel. Encourage the victim to seek medical advice to evaluate the severity of the wounds and risk of infection.
Provide important information. Your name, address, and information about the dog's vaccination and health history are crucial. If your dog doesn't have a current rabies vaccination, it may be necessary to quarantine him until a diagnosis of rabies can be ruled out.
Report the bite to your insurance company. The costs resulting from dog bites can be quite overwhelming.
Comply with local ordinances regarding the reporting of dog bites. All bites should be reported to authorities immediately.
Consult your Vet or a trainer for advice about dog behavior that will help prevent similar problems in the future.
Things to remember
Although there are guaranteed methods for preventing dog bites, following these key rules is essential to reduce the risk.
*Don't let your dog run freely.
*Teach children safe and appropriate behavior around dogs.
*Keep your dog in optimal health.
*Don't run from an aggressive dog.
*Refrain from putting your dog in uncomfortable situations.
*Learn to read your dog's body language.
*Provide positive social interaction for your dog.
*Train your dog in basic obedience.
*Love your dog and have fun with him.
Dog Bite Prevention Part 1, Statistically Speaking
Dog Bite Prevention Part 2, What Made Muffy Bite?
Dog Bite Prevention Part 3, Practicing Safe Behavior
Dog Bite Prevention Part 4, OH NO, Here Comes Butch, And He Doesn't Look Happy
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OH NO!! Here comes Butch, and he doesn't look happy!
There are usually warning signs before a bite occurs, but these can be very subtle and might be missed. Signs that the dog is telling you "I am nearing the end of my patience" may include:
He turns his head away from you or gets up and moves away.
He looks at you with a pleading expression.
He yawns, licks his chops, suddenly starts scratching, or licking himself when you're approaching or interacting with him.
He is wagging his tail with a slow deliberate wag with the tail held straight and parallel to the ground or high over the back. A nervous dog may also wag his tail between his legs or just wag the tip of his tail.
If he lowers himself to the floor and stares at you, chances are he's getting into a position to jump at you. On the other hand, if he lies down and rolls over showing his tummy, he's probably asking for a good belly rub.
Snarling, growling, barking, and showing teeth should always be considered as signs of aggression. It is best to leave the animal alone and not try to physically comfort him.
It is natural for us, as humans, to run from things that frighten us. Bad idea! So, what should we do when an unfriendly dog approaches us?
Don't run away crying or screaming, no matter how scary he seems. If you try to walk away backwards, you may trip and fall. You'll make yourself prey. Butch's instinct is to chase, attack, or tear the prey apart. 
"Make like a tree". Trees are boring. The dog will lose interest and go about his business. To assume the "tree" position, cross your arms over your chest with your hands under your arm pits. Stand very still and look away from the dog. Stay in this position until it is safe to leave the area. Remember to walk away calmly.
If a bite seems inevitable, put anything you have in his mouth. Let him bite your purse, hat, jacket, grocery bag, whatever. Try to remain calm.
If he knocks you to the ground, get on your knees and bend over. Fold your arms behind your neck to protect your face, ears, head, and neck. Try to be very still. Stay in this position until the dog has left the area.
Visit my next blog to learn what to do if you or someone else gets bitten by a dog.
Dog Bite Prevention Part 1, Statistically Speaking
Dog Bite Prevention Part 2, What Made Muffy Bite
Dog Bite Prevention Part 3, Practicing Safe Behavior
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Practicing Safe Behavior Around Dogs
Not only do we need to train our dogs to behave properly, we need to train ourselves safe dog practices. Just like with a dog, after a little practice, these things will be second nature. Don't forget to train the kids too.
NEVER leave a small child unsupervised with a pet or let your dog sleep in the baby‘s room. It is natural for a child to want to hug the dog, but dogs don't necessarily want to be hugged. The bite that may occur will most likely be in the face since this is the closest part to the dog. 77% of injuries to children are facial. That's approximately 44,000 per year. Remind your child not to pull on the dog's ears, tail, or fur and not to sit on the dog's back. Dogs don't like to be confused with horses.
Teach your child not to tease dogs behind fences. He may not be behind the fence when the child is passing through tomorrow.
Behave calmly around the dog. Excitement, loud voices, and anger may trigger a bite.
Avoid running past a strange dog. Keep in mind that you cannot out-run or out-bike a dog, so don't try.
Encourage children not to approach any dog that does not belong to them. Always ask permission from the dog's owner before petting. It's also a good idea to ask the owner to retrieve a lost item that may be on the dog's property.
Approach the dog calmly. Rapid movements may frighten or excite him.
Look at the dog's paws when you greet him. Some dogs may interpret a direct stare
into his eyes as a challenge or threat. By looking at his front paws, you can still watch his expressions without eye contact.
Be sure the dog is aware you are approaching. Avoid walking up from behind as this may startle the dog. Senior dogs can have failing eyesight or hearing and may not realize you're close until you're too close, too fast.
Stand with your shoulder facing the dog. Sideways is less threatening to a dog and avoids the possibility of leaning over the dog.
Extend your hand held in a fist for the dog to sniff before touching. If the dog bites, damage would be less than if the fingers are extended and puppies are less likely to nip at a fist than fingers. Make sure not to move too fast or pull your hand away while he's sniffing. This may be considered a threat.
Crouch sideways to greet small dogs or dogs that are lying down. This is less intimidating and avoids bending over the dog.
Pet the dog on the side of the neck closest to you or on the chest. Some dogs find it threatening for the hand to come over its head.
Move your hand away slowly when finished petting a dog. Remember, sudden movements are intimidating.
Drop treats and toys in front of the dog. If you must let the dog retrieve an item from your hand, offer it with your hand flat.
Don't put your face right up to a dog's face. This may annoy the dog or you may receive a playful nip.
Avoid placing your hand into a car, crate, or pen where a dog is confined. He might bite out of fear or protecting his property.
Respect a dog while he's eating, drinking, chewing, or lying beside any object. Respect his nap time also. You could startle him or he may be dreaming of being a great
hunter and you could end up as his prey.
Be cautious of a Mommy dog and with her puppies. The mommy dog can be very protective of her babies and may not understand that you only want to pet them.
NEVER try to physically break up a dog fight or interact with dogs that are play fighting. Spray them with a water hose if available. This will have them running in opposite directions and keep you safe.
Visit my next blog to learn how to tell a dog is losing his patience and what to do if approached by an angry dog.
Dog Bite Prevention Part 1, Statistically Speaking
Dog Bite Prevention Part 2, What Made Muffy Bite?
Dog Bite Prevention Part 4, OH NO! Here Comes Butch And He Doesn't Look Happy!
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