Pubdate: Wed, 16 Mar 2005
Source: Bowling Green Daily News (KY)
Copyright: 2005 News Publishing LLC
Contact:  http://www.bgdailynews.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1218

KIDS EXPOSURE TO METH MUST BE PUT TO AN END

A recent methamphetamine arrest in Lewisburg illustrates the danger of that
drug culture for innocent children.

Upon raiding a house, Kentucky State Police and other law enforcement
agencies found two young children living in rooms where methamphetamine was
being manufactured, distributed and ingested.

Incidents such as this show just what a growing problem this epidemic is
throughout the state. Most of the people who manufacture it have more
concern about finding their next fix than for the well-being of their
children.

But agencies such as The Kentucky Alliance for Drug Endangered Children are
trying to reduce the number of children being exposed to the harmful effects
of methamphetamine and other drugs.

They are conducting training sessions throughout the state with police,
child service employees, health care workers and others who want to learn
about the dangers of children being in homes where methamphetamine is being
manufactured.

According to Holly Hopper, chairwoman of the alliance, an Oklahoma study
discovered that 80 percent to 90 percent of children rescued from a
meth-exposed home test positive for the drug as long as 12 hours after
removal.

This is troubling to say the least.

We have an uphill battle, but one that involves protecting children from
these environments is worth it.

Children's continued exposure to methamphetamine could lead to typhoid
cancer, lymphoma and leukemia. Also, there is the risk of explosion and fire
in meth manufacturing.

Even more troubling is that these children have a two to five times greater
chance of growing up and being drug addicts themselves.

The Kentucky General Assembly passed promising legislation this year to help
combat the growing problem of meth manufacturing in the state. From the
standpoint of the health and safety of our citizens, including the youngest
and most vulnerable, this could be the most important legislation passed. 
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