Pubdate: Fri, 21 Jul 2006
Source: Marion Daily Republican (IL)
Copyright: 2006 Marion Daily Republican
Contact:  http://www.mariondaily.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/3549
Author: Diane Wilkins, Marion Daily Republican
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/meth.htm (Methamphetamine)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/youth.htm (Youth)

#J#: US IL: CHILDREN ARE UNSUSPECTING VICTIMS OF METHAMPHETAMINE ABUSE

CARTERVILLE -- One of the most gripping sessions of the Third Annual 
Methamphetamine Awareness Conference this week was the effects of 
meth production on children who are exposed.

The chemicals used to cook meth, along with the toxic compounds and 
byproducts resulting from its manufacture produce toxic fumes, vapors 
and spills. A child living at a meth lab may inhale or swallow toxic 
substances or inhale the secondhand smoke of adults who are using 
meth, receive an injection or an accidental skin prick from discarded 
needles or other drug paraphernalia, absorb methamphetamine and other 
toxic substances through the skin following contact with contaminated 
surfaces; clothing, or food, or become ill after directly ingesting 
chemicals or an intermediate product. Exposure to low levels of some 
meth ingredients may produce headache, nausea, dizziness, and 
fatigue. Exposure to high levels can produce shortness of breath, 
cough; headache, nausea, dizziness, and fatigue. Exposure to low 
levels of some meth ingredients may produce shortness of breath, 
coughing, chest pain, dizziness, lack of coordination, eye and tissue 
irritation, chemical burns, to the skin, eyes, mouth and nose, and 
death. Corrosive substances may cause injury through inhalation or 
contact with skin. Solvents can irritate the skin, mucous membranes, 
and respiratory tract and and affect the affect the central nervous 
system. Chronic exposure to the chemicals typically used in meth 
manufacturing may cause cancer, damage to the brain, liver, kidney, 
spleen, iummunologic system, and may result in birth defects.

Normal cleaning will not remove meth and some of the chemicals used 
to produce it. They may remain on eating and cooking utensils, 
floors, countertops, and absorbent materials. Toxic byproducts of 
meth manufacturing are often improperly disposed outdoors, 
endangering children and others who live, eat, play or walk at or 
near the site.

For every pound of meth made, seven pounds of toxic lab waste is 
produced. Most of this dangerous toxic waste will be dumped secretly 
in our community.

Another danger that not only children, but innocent neighbors, face 
is that of explosion.

Approximately 15 percent of meth labs are discovered as a result of a 
fire or explosion. Careless handling and overheating of highly 
volatile hazardous chemicals and waste and unsafe manufacturing 
methods cause solvents and other materials to burst into flames or 
explode. Improperly labeled and incompatible chemicals are often 
stored together, compounding the likelihood of fire and explosion. 
Highly combustible materials left on stovetops, near ignition 
sources, or on surfaces accessible to children can be easily ignited 
by a single spark or cigarette ember.

Meth labs have been described as bombs waiting to be ignited by a careless act.

Children developing within the chaos, neglect and violence of a 
clandestine meth lab environment experience stress and trauma that 
significantly affect their overall safety and health, including their 
behavorial, emotional, and cognitive functioning. They often exhibit 
low self-esteem, a sense of shame, and poor social skills. 
Consequences may include emotional and mental health problems, 
delinquency, teen pregancy, school absenteeism and failure, isolation 
and poor peer relations. Without effective intervention, many will 
imitate their parents and caretakers when they themselves become 
adults, engaging in criminal or violent behavior, inappropriate 
conduct, and alcohol or drug abuse.

Many children who live in drug homes exhibit an attachment disorder, 
which occurs when parents or caretakers fail to respond to an 
infant's basic needs or do so unpredictably. These children typically 
do not cry or show or show emotion when separated from their parents. 
Symptoms of attachment disorder include the inability to trust, form 
relationships, and adapt. Attachment disorders place children at 
greater risk for later criminal behavior and substance abuse. To 
minimize long-term damage, children from these environments require 
mental health interventions and stable, nurturing caregivers.
- ---
MAP posted-by: Beth Wehrman