Methamphetamine Research Paper

Methamphetamine is classified as a stimulant. It strongly affects the central nervous system and is considered one of the most potent stimulant drugs. Meth is in the same family as cocaine and ecstasy but produces a longer high for the user. Meth users typically build a tolerance for the drug fairly quickly which leads them to use meth in larger and larger quantities. A meth high is said to produce feelings of confidence, paranoia and suppresses the appetite.

It is believed that about 34 different chemicals are needed to manufacture methamphetamine. Common precursor chemicals are: ephedrine, pseudoephedrine, red phosphorous, iodine, hydrochloric acid, ether, and anhydrous ammonia. While some of these chemicals are fairly easy to acquire, …show more content…
In the smaller labs, the cooks are high, the production is unsafe and the equipment is less than satisfactory. These smaller labs account for a large majority of explosions, illegal disposal of hazardous waste and fires. The smaller labs are a huge problem for the police. They are disproportionately more toxic than super labs and labs already produce a large amount of hazardous waste. It is believed that every pound of meth manufactured produces five to six pounds of toxic waste. Negligent lab workers dispose of the waste in illegal ways that include burying it and burning it. These reckless measures to rid themselves of the waste expose the entire community to health complications. Meth waste can poison the water and ground for years after contamination. Another huge problem posed by meth labs is ventilation. There is no safe way to ventilate a meth lab. Either you properly ventilate the lab and the air is polluted or you do not properly ventilate and the toxic and explosive fumes accrue inside. The fumes are dangerous to anyone that comes into contact with them including workers, children and police during a raid. This dangerous mix of fumes is extremely volatile and can be set off by a cigarette, electrical switch or even a dynamic police entry. (“Clandestine Meth labs, Joseph Petrocelli,

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