The last thing you want is drug residue on the walls when you're thrilled about purchasing a new home or having finally found the ideal rental property. Purchasing or renting a house without first having it checked for things like meth residue or other drug traces might have dangerous results, even if you've never given it much attention. In the long run, it can be beneficial to learn how to spot a drug house and how to clean a residence that has drug residue. Meth and other drug tests are a developing segment of the building inspection market. Methamphetamine use, sometimes known as “crystal,” “ice,” or “meth,” has become a growing public health concern in Australia. According to the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission, consumption of the drug increased by 37% between 2016 and 2019. (ACIC).
Unfortunately for the real estate market, this has increased the number of residences that are used as “drug houses.” Given that an estimated 1.4 percent of Australians smoke meth each year, the possibility of unoccupied homes on the market that were once used to produce or consume the drug is rising. Understanding drug residue, how to check a home for meth residue, and how long drug residue lasts in a building are crucial. When buying or selling a house, one thing that needs to be considered is if the house will be drug tested. In some cases, it may be a requirement for the sale of the property. There are many reasons for this, but the most common one is to protect the family who will live in the home. Drug testing can help to ensure that no harmful substances are present in the home and that everyone involved in the transaction is safe. If you're thinking about buying or selling a house, it's important to understand why real estate drug testing is done and what it means for you.
Meth Testing Has A Purpose
It involves searching a house for drugs by looking at the insulation, ventilation system, wiring, and plumbing, as well as the walls, carpets, and ceilings. It has been found that several properties serve as meth labs or as hubs for the production and consumption of various sorts of drugs. Residue can be found inside homes where only smoking meth has occurred; a home does not need to be a full-fledged meth lab for it to be there. This potentially harmful residue may still be present and pollute the home in the same manner as it would if the drug were being produced there.
It is crucial to test your new home before moving in because Australian regulations indicate that contaminated areas of a drug house should be removed when levels reach 0.5 micrograms per 100 sq cm of the contaminated surface. On-demand, we may investigate areas of the home that might be hiding leftovers or residue from meth or other narcotics as part of our thorough pre-purchase property inspections.
The Health Risk of Meth
Living in a former drug den has numerous potentially harmful repercussions. A physician from Flinders University adds that “exposure can occur through skin absorption, ingestion of residues that are transmitted to hands or items, and inhalation of vapours and dust.” While it might not be immediately noticeable, residents may soon start to experience: insomnia. Methamphetamine enters the body after exposure and can have a variety of negative health impacts. respiratory issues of great severity, dizziness, inflammation of the eyes, inflammation of the nose, nausea, skin irritations, and the inability to eat.
Additionally, doctors note that “the potential for health impacts to arise relies on the quantity of pollution present, the age, and sensitivity of the individual,” suggesting that members of your family may be at higher or riskier levels of exposure. It is essential to conduct thorough drug testing at your property since these symptoms are especially worrisome for kids, who will experience the effects far more severely than adults living with meth residue.
When Meth Was Found
A drug that affects the central nervous system, meth is incredibly addictive. It is an odourless, colourless powder that dissolves readily in liquids like water or alcohol and can be used to create products that are nearly invisible to the naked eye. Strong odours like the scent of ammonia, solvents, or caustic substances are indicators that your new home or rental property may have been used as a meth house. soil, driveways, and building materials that are discoloured. Walls that have been burnt, discoloured, or aged. unusual areas, such as window fittings or door handles, to have rust. Building inspectors who work for a reputable company are skilled at spotting the telltale indicators of a drug house and may offer advice on how to thoroughly clean your property.
Removing Drug Traces from Your Home
If there is evidence of drug residue, it is preferable to contact a specialist to handle the cleanup. Australian homes are now being tested by a wide variety of building inspection companies for drug contamination, including meth residue. servicing significant centres in Newcastle and Lake Macquarie Properties. You may rely on them to determine whether your ideal home is drug-free in the same manner that you would a smoke detector.
If you own or manage a property, it’s important to be aware of the potential for drug activity on your premises. Drug tests can help you identify whether or not drugs are being used in your building and allow you to take steps to address the issue. By instituting regular drug testing policies, you can create a safe and secure environment for your tenants—and protect yourself from any legal issues that may arise. Have you ever considered implementing drug testing in your real estate business? Contact us today and we can help you find the best building inspection service. We can help you keep your property safe.
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