FAQ – New Day Renewal

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Top 14 Meth Decontamination Questions:

1) My house might be contaminated with meth; what do I do?

The first step is to test. Proper testing is the only way to know for sure if the property is contaminated. Anyone can do the testing, but depending on the situation, you may want someone who is licensed by the State of California to handle it – like New Day Renewal. Give us a call, and we can help point you in the right direction. 1-877-247-7369

2) How do I read the meth test lab report, and what does it mean?

There are usually four numbers on a lab report that are important to know. 1- “Sampling Parameter: Area”: This refers to the total area tested on an individual swab. Each area tested should total 100cm2. So, if the Sampling Parameter: Area is 300cm2, then 3 areas were tested on 1 swab. 2- “ug/sample”: This number is the total amount of meth found on the swab that was turned into the lab. If this number is greater than 1.0, the property might need proper meth cleanup and decontamination. 3- “ug/100cm2”: This number is the “ug/sample” divided by the “Sampling Parameter”. When sampling is done correctly, this number can be a more definitive guide to the actual concentration levels of contamination in the property. 4- “RL ug/sample” is the Reporting Limit of the lab. In most cases, it will be .10, meaning any results less than .1 will be reported as “ND” or Non-Detectable. The above description refers to ALS lab reports. Most of the reports that come across our desks are from ALS as they are local. Other labs have similar reporting styles and should be interpreted by someone familiar with them. Please feel free to contact anyone at (your company name) if you have questions or need pricing on decontamination: 1-877-247-7369.

3) My house tested positive for methamphetamine; what are my options?

The State of California has a threshold of 1.0ug (microgram) per 100cm2. So, it is important to have a copy of the test results to review after the testing has been completed. A house can test positive but still be below the State standard. If the results are low enough, meth cleanup work may not be required. However, if the results are over 1.0ug, most likely the property needs to be decontaminated. If you are unsure how to read the test report or just have general questions, please give us a call, and we will be happy to help: 1-877-247-7369.

4) What are the California state regulations and requirements for meth cleanup?

The California State action level has been set at 1.0ug (microgram) per 100cm2. Simply put, all hard surfaces can be decontaminated, and soft, porous items cannot be – they must be disposed of with special handling requirements. Once the decontamination is complete, all rooms, HVAC systems, and all hard items that were part of the decontamination work plan need to be tested. If all results are less than 1.0ug, the property is considered safe to occupy, and the meth cleanup work is deemed to have been successful. The links below can give you a much more in-depth understanding of the requirements here in California, or you can call us with any questions: 1-877-247-7369.

newdayrenewal.com dtsc.com oehha.com

5) My property needs to be decontaminated; what stays and what goes?

During a meth cleanup project, only hard, non-porous items can be decontaminated. Such as sheetrock walls and ceilings, subfloors, hard surface flooring, doors, cabinets, countertops, metal ductwork, furnaces, etc. Items to be removed and disposed of include carpet, carpet pad, drop ceiling tiles, acoustical ceiling tiles, insulated or flex ductwork, and exposed insulation. To schedule a time for us to come and look at your property and talk with you about your options, call 1-877-247-7369.

6) My rental property tested positive for meth; what is next?

After making sure everyone is safe, there are several questions that need to be looked at when moving forward. For example, is the damage covered by insurance? Generally, contacting your insurance company is one of the first steps. Usually, when dealing with insurance adjusters, meth contamination is not covered. However, vandalism and/or smoke damage might be. Be persistent and know your policy. Is the property vacant or occupied? If the property is vacant, the process of decontaminating can start right away. If occupied, the tenant needs to be relocated or must leave during the meth cleanup process. The Decontamination Specialist will need to remove and dispose of the porous items and decontaminate and test the non-porous items for the tenant.

7) A potential buyer tested my newly remodeled property and found meth residue; what are my options?

Depending on the levels found, you have two options. Option 1: Retest. If the levels found are low, it is best to retest and verify the findings. If the levels are high, testing again is still a good idea but may need to consist of more areas to narrow down the decontamination areas. Option 2: If the levels are high, moving forward with meth cleanup and decontamination will allow you to put your money into the decontamination process required to make the home habitable and not be used for extensive testing. Feel free to call with any Questions: 1-877-247-7369.

8) How much does it cost to decontaminate a meth house?

Decontamination costs are based on several factors: How large is the House? Does the decontamination need to be completed in the garage or outbuildings as well as the main structure? What is the contamination level? Was a “Meth Lab” found at the property, or is it just a “user site”? Is the property full of debris? These are the main questions you need to be prepared to answer when you request estimates. For a free estimate, please call 1-877-247-7369.

9) Can meth use in one apartment contaminate adjacent units?

Usually, the answer to this question is no. However, if the units share a heating system or have any other means by which air can migrate between units, then it would be best to test all units that share heat ducts or other air supply.

10) How long does the meth cleanup process take, and what are the steps?

Most properties can be decontaminated in about two weeks. First, a work plan needs to be created and submitted to the local health department for a permit. Next, the decontamination process begins and, depending on the size of the house, can take anywhere from a few days to a week. Then all areas need to be tested, and the tests submitted to the lab for analysis, this can take up to 5 business days to get results back. After all that, a final meeting is scheduled with the health department to go over the results and clear the property – then you have your house back. Not all health departments have the same protocols, so give us a call and we can discuss your situation and time frames: 1-877-247-7369.

11) What are the disclosure requirements when selling my house?

This question is best answered by consulting a California real estate attorney. But, it is our understanding that once the property has been decontaminated by a Decontamination Specialist, all of the correct permits were issued, the property has been cleared by the health department, and the meth cleanup process is documented as complete and successful, the owner does not need to disclose the property was a meth house. However, based on years of experience, honesty is always the best way to approach any situation.

12) What personal items can be decontaminated, and what can’t?

Items considered Non-Porous, such as most tables, dressers, headboards, or other hard items, can be decontaminated. Also, items that can fit into a washing machine can be saved with proper meth cleanup procedures. Items considered Porous cannot be. Mattresses, couches, anything with a cushion or upholstery, pillows, stuffed animals, most electronics, and kids’ toys can generally not be decontaminated. If you have specific questions, please give us a call: 1-877-247-7369.

13) I’m buying a house; do I need to test it for meth?

The short answer is yes. California was once the highest producer of meth in the country. Meth has a long half-life, so many of the houses that are contaminated have been that way for years. Many non-users are unknowingly living in houses that were either contaminated years ago – or possibly more recently by friends, acquaintances, or even family members. It is astonishing how many kids, nephews, nieces, uncles, visiting friends or relatives, or others have contaminated grandma’s house. For more answers concerning testing, please call: 1-877-247-7369.

14) Who can complete meth testing?

Meth testing can be completed by anyone. Meth test kits are readily available online or locally at ALS Laboratory in Murray. Homeowners can test their own properties if they are at all suspicious of meth use or contamination. Consulting a professional before testing is always a good idea. When purchasing a property, most home inspectors can complete a general test to indicate whether or not a problem might be present. If meth is found, you would want to consult with an expert. If your property was the site of a criminal act or if the test might be used in a lawsuit, it is best to contact a licensed Decontamination Specialist as our test results will hold up in a court of law. Also, most health departments will only accept testing completed by a Decontamination Specialist when clearing a property for habitation and removing it from the contaminated property list. If you have any questions concerning a test that was completed or you need to have a test completed, please give us a call: 1-877-247-7369.