Recently I was honoured to be invited to a SAPOL and Flinders University Lecture on Methamphetamine, its effects on people and housing, hosted by Dr Jackie Wright
It was probably one of the most informative, fascinating and frightening lectures I have ever attended.
Methamphetamine usage is a very, very serious issue that concerns all parents, health officials. Landlords and Vendors need to be aware of potential hazards as it concerns them as well. Meth is invisible. It has no smell. It is virtually undetectable in its raw form. Just because is it physically removed from a house does not mean there is no residue.
For now, please look at the background, facts and figures as provided by Dr Wright:
- Australia has the highest number of meth users out of the English-speaking world. Three times higher than 2011
- Only 20% of contamination problems are linked to home laboratories. A staggering 80% of contamination problems are linked to users only.
Users report the following frequency in meth consumption:
- 20.4% use weekly and/or daily.
- 10.6% use once a month
- 24.7% use every few months
- 44% have used once or twice, but no longer.
People being exposed to meth not necessarily choosing to do so. The health risks that have been reported are serious: Respiration problems, Behaviour problems, Sleep issues, Skin and Eye irritation, Headaches, Coughs, Moods, Alertness, Hallucination, Anxiety and crazy dreams. Residents can be exposed by touching, (door handles, windows, benches) inhalation and wipes. Exposed – inhalation, wipes
We can break up the statistics as follows:
- 41% Private Metropolitan Housing
- 45% Public Housing – Rural and Metropolitan
- 7% Rural Private Homes
South Australia has a total of 20% of all users Australia wide. Staggering. And frightening. So, as a Vendor, Landlord, buyer, tenant, property manager and agent…. What can we do?
It is suggested that regular screening for investments properties between tenants. Early detection can avoid complete restoration – ripping out carpets, paint, wall linings or air conditioning. Reputable Companies are now offering base screening to swab walls with liquid chromatography to establish the presence of meth. 100cm swab is the minimum size that should be tested, and costs between $100 to $300.
The main contamination areas being located by screening are in sheds, kitchens and bathrooms.Remedies can be as simple as having to wash all walls to complete demolition.Councils now are required to advise with Section 7 Property Information if they are aware of any drug issues in the house, as they are required to, when notified of this by SAPOL.
When the issues are sorted, notice is removed after further testing establishes an all clear.