5 Signs Your Dream Home Might Have Been a Meth Lab

In 2012, the Drug Enforcement Association uncovered 11,210 meth labs across the country. Every state had at least two incidents of methamphetamine labs.

What if the house you’re looking at used to be a meth lab? “Manufacturing or ‘cooking’ meth can leave behind large amounts of toxic waste,” says the Washington State Department of Health.

Luckily, many governmental organizations are on the lookout for these toxic homes. The Illinois Attorney General’s office compiled a list of what you might see at a former meth lab

1. Unusual odors such as urine, ammonia, or rotten eggs could indicate meth production. These odors may stick around even after the producers have vacated.
2. Meth producers may cover windows to keep outsiders from being able to see in. The windows may be blackened with paint.
3. Strange ventilation systems allow those producing meth to get rid of the toxic fumes production creates. They may also have “home-made” fans or furnace blowers.
4. Meth producers will also have elaborate security measures, such as multiple “keep out” signs, guard dogs, or cameras around the property.
5. Dumping toxic substances in the yard may cause dead vegetation, with brown or black grass in patches across the lawn.

You can also cross reference with this national register of found meth labs. You should contact your local health officials if you suspect your home was previously used for meth production.