Fire hazard, toxic fumes among issues associated with meth labs.
MARQUETTE -- She thought it could never happen here...Colleen Thill had been living with her two year old son in this West Ridge Street apartment building for ten months when she learned a meth lab was in the apartment just across the hall.
"I was very, very scared. My first worry was about my son's safety because you always heard how they were so dangerous, and I was really worried about his health, would there be lasting effects? Are there any current effects?" says Thill.
UPSET explains that when meth is cooked, chemical fumes are released containing hydrogen chloride. It's a harmful gas known to burn the respiratory system and cause skin irritation to those around it.
"Could experience aggravation of respiratory systems, if they have emphysema, asthma, they can have worsening symptoms as a result of that or worsening allergy of skin condition," says Dr. John Lehtinen of Marquette General Hospital.
Colleen called her child's doctor, who told her to look for erratic behavior in Brogan, but so far he seems fine.
This could be because the labs busted in our area have been produced with the "one pot recipe." This method of making meth is more contained than others, putting neighbors at a lower risk for exposure.
But officials say you should still be on high alert because the chemicals present a severe fire hazard.
"I want to remember to report things in the future because I did see things that maybe could have been suspicious but I didn't know to what degree I should report it, who I should report it to," says Thill.
A few tell-tale signs of a meth lab are strong chemical odors, open windows in cold weather, and suspicious activity around the site.
If you think there may be a meth lab near you, contact your local police department.
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