B1b: Exposure to Methamphetamine by Inhalation During Remediation Work

Ernest N. Morial New Orleans Convention Center 

Exposure assessment to airborne methamphetamine has not been previously reported during remediation or residing in contaminated houses. Third-hand exposure occurs to occupants of contaminated residences, but the health risk assessments that have been used to set health standards assumed that inhalation exposure was insignificant, and data were not available to support or deny that assertion.

We performed air sampling in contaminated residences and preliminary results indicate that airborne meth is present. Initial results indicate a rough correlation between the surface and airborne concentrations. The airborne concentration may be significant as a part of total absorbed dose to occupants. We have also conducted exposure assessment during meth remediation. Initial results indicate that meth cleaning tasks do not result in significant exposure, but that removal of meth-contaminated contents or building materials results in some inhalation exposure, as well as dermal and ingestion.

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Environmental protection and monitoring

Exposure Assessment

Indoor air quality

Risk assessment and management