New law requires homeowners to cleanup meth contamination

(Oklahoma City-AP) -- Home buyers will soon be protected from unknowingly living where methamphetamine has been made _ meaning owners may foot hefty bills for removing the drug's hazards. <br><br>A

Tuesday, September 2nd 2003, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

(Oklahoma City-AP) -- Home buyers will soon be protected from unknowingly living where methamphetamine has been made _ meaning owners may foot hefty bills for removing the drug's hazards.

A new law that takes effect November 1st requires homeowners to disclose if the drug has been made on their property before they can sell it.

Officials say toxic chemicals from meth labs can saturate into dry wall, vents, drains, concrete and carpet.

Contaminants from meth-making can cause breathing problems, nausea, headaches and in some cases, death.

Law enforcement agents who find meth labs call cleanup companies to remove hazardous chemicals, but officials warn the cleanup doesn't end there.

But getting rid of contamination isn't cheap.

Estimates from one environmental firm show a complete cleaning can cost $5,000 to $7,000.