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What's Methamphetamine Made Of?
by WV DEP
Solid Waste Management Board

What's Methamphetamine Made Of ?.....

Manufacturing methamphetamine involves the mixing and discarding of a variety of toxic chemicals, including lye, acetone, muriatic acid, battery acid, white gas (lantern fuel), red phosphorous and crystal iodine.

The common availability of most of these substances belies the seriousness of their environmental and health hazards. The fumes themselves are toxic, flammable, or both, especially when confined and concentrated in a home or other small enclosed area. Poured on the ground, the chemicals contaminate the soil and can migrate into groundwater. Indiscriminately discarding the chemicals in a landfill is illegal because they could cause the same problems many years in the future.

The following is a sampling of the various chemicals and other items that go into the process:

  • Ephedrine or pseudoephedrine (cold or allergy tablets)
  • Lithium batteries
  • Starter fluid
  • Rock or table salt
  • Drain cleaner
  • Camping fuel
  • Sulfuric acid
  • Acetone
  • Gasoline additives
  • Paint thinner
  • Iodine
  • Brake cleaner
  • Toluene
  • Muriatic acid
  • Anhydrous Ammonia
  • Matchbooks
  • Coffee filters
  • Aluminum foil
  • Assorted glassware
  • Propane tanks
  • Coolers
  • Plastic soda bottles.

If you suspect someone is operating a methamphetamine lab in your neighborhood, do not go near it - call the police.
Once the lab is shut down, the officer in charge should notify appropriate government agencies